Obituaries

Chester C. Leja

Chester C. Leja of Riverhead died Dec. 27, 2011, at Stony Brook University Medical Center. He was 84.

Born July 16, 1927, in Westmoreland, Pa., to Karol and Mary Anna Leja, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946.

Mr. Leja was a watch repairman and owner of Lejay Jewelers. He was a member of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department and the Riverhead VFW and was at one time captain of Riverhead Fire Police Patrol Company 1.

Family members said he enjoyed gardening.

Mr, Leja is survived by his wife, Louise; his son, Charles, of Aquebogue; his sister, Helen Vantine of Florida; and one grandchild.

Visiting hours took place Dec. 29 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a service was held Dec. 30, Deacon Michael Bonocore officiating. Interment was at Calverton National Cemetery.