Obituary of Kathleen Delaney Cheslik

Kathleen (Delaney) Cheslik, 72, of Syracuse, died on Sunday following a long illness. A lifelong Syracuse resident, Kathy was born May 1, 1949 to the late Paul and Mary Delaney. She was predeceased by her husband James Cheslik, their son Andrew, and her beloved sister Carol Shurant. Communicants of Transfiguration Church, Kathy and Jim were active members of St. Stephen for many years where she served with Altar and Rosary. Following her retirement from the telephone company, Kathy was an avid bingo player and enjoyed travel. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family. She is survived by her older brother Paul and his wife Patricia, as well as her brothers Jack and Jim. Kathy was especially close to Paul and Pat’s children: Coleen (Susan) Delaney, Paul (Anne) Delaney, Jimmy Delaney, Kelly Delaney, and Vinnie Delaney (Chad Yesue). As their frequent babysitter, she invented “the quiet game” with the reward of a quarter to whoever stayed quietest the longest. She is survived by great-nephews Joseph, Michael, and Thomas Commisso, Neil and Nathan Delaney, and Jason Delaney. Her great-great-nephew Tommy Commisso brought her great joy. Additional survivors include her nieces Kathryn Williams, Jennifer Delaney, and Becky Loftsgaarden. Kathy remained close to Jim’s family: brothers John (Mary) and Michael, cousin Karen, niece Jennifer, and nephews Matthew and Stephen. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 14 at 10:30am at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Kathy requested that any contributions be made to Francis House, who took such wonderful care of her late husband Jim (108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208).