Chester C. Baranowski

Chester "Chet" C. Baranowski, 81 of Pleasantville, New York passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.

Chet was born in Manhattan, New York on December 18, 1944, to Chester and Leona (Matulewski) Baranowski and grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx from where he stayed connected with many childhood friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Leonard and Martin.

A recipient of a track scholarship to Rice High School in Harlem, Chet won the 1962 CHSAA city-wide 50-yard dash (the trophy remains on display at his home) and competed in countless track meets in Madison Square Garden and throughout the northeast.

Chet served in the US Army and fought in the Vietnam War. While stationed in NHA Trang, Vietnam, he earned the rank of Specialist 4 before being honorably discharged.

While working full-time at CBS News, Chet graduated from Marymount College/Fordham with a BA. His CBS career spanned 42 years as a news editor on various award-winning shows including 60 Minutes, In the News, and The Morning News.

Chet is survived by his beloved wife Mary Jo (Callaghan), his son Scott Baranowski and daughter-in-law Pamela with grandchildren Julian and Theodora, and his daughter Kristen and son-in-law Jim Rugel, with granddaughter Maeve. He also played a significant role in the lives of his sister-in-law Kathleen Mayer, his nephew Sean Mayer and wife Carrie with great niece Mackenzie, and his nephew Brendan Mayer and wife Kian Schuerman, with great nieces Barrett and Roisin.

Chet committed his life to his family and community. He attended thousands of youth sporting events, family celebrations, veteran events, and church and other charitable activities. Whether it was soccer fields, baseball fields, basketball gyms, or track fieldhouses, Chet was always attending, assisting, and cheering on his family's teams. It was his weekly visits with Maeve, and her many sleepovers, where he honed his talents as first "PopPop" and later "Taco" - playing cards and games, having pillow fights, making chocolate chip pancakes, saying yes to just about everything, and understanding it is always a good time for ice cream.

He was an active member of American Legion Post 136, Mt. Kisco, NY participating in numerous breakfasts, fundraisers, and honor guards. For several years he enthusiastically discussed his life as a soldier with the students at Columbus Elementary School. In 2024, Chet took a veteran's Honor Flight to Washington D.C. visiting various sites including the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Over the last few years Chet participated in PGA Hope, a veteran's-based golf league.

Chet was an active member of Holy Rosary Parish in Hawthorne, NY where he served on the Parish Council, Bazaar Committee and as an occasional usher. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Knights of Columbus St. Dominic Council in Thornwood, NY. Organizing clothing and food drives to help those in need.

In his spare time, Chet loved reading about US history, spy, and detective novels, passionately watching the NY Yankees, NY Giants, Providence Friars, and Villanova Wildcats, checking the weather and monitoring traffic.

For a man from humble beginnings, Chet led a great life who positively impacted everyone he touched. Rest in Peace Chet, go with God, you will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Hudson Valley Honor Flight https://hvhonorflight.com/ a not-for-profit organization that transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them.