Eugene "Gene" Chaykosky, 87

December 27, 1937 – October 22, 2025

Eugene "Gene" Chaykosky, 87, of Chemung, NY, went to be with the Lord on October 22, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born on December 27, 1937, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Nellie Chaykosky. He lived in Clifford, Pennsylvania, until he was eight years old, then moved to Athens, Pennsylvania, where he attended Athens Area High School, graduating with honors in 1955. Shortly after graduation, Gene enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served four years aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt as a Radioman.

Following his military service, Gene worked as a supervisor in manufacturing at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, for 27 years. After retiring, he returned to the Valley, where he could often be found providing lawn care for local churches and cemeteries.

In 1993, Gene married the love of his life, Joan Chaykosky. Together they shared 31 wonderful years of marriage and 37 years together in total. Gene deeply adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy.

Gene will be remembered for spending his days with his beloved dog, Bugsy, who was his whole world, and his favorite catchphrase: "Stay healthy, healthy, and healthy — that's the main thing." He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and kept every newspaper article they (and their friends) were mentioned in. A devoted Yankees fan, Gene was an avid baseball enthusiast and enjoyed watching all sports on television to pass the time.

Gene is survived by his wife, Joan Chaykosky; his loving children, Eric (Cindy) Chaykosky, Todd (Sara) Chaykosky, Lori (Scott) Robinson, Donna (Tracey) Smith, and Connie (Jim) Thomas; and his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Chaykosky, Dustin (Kara) Walter, Dominique (Ethan) Thais, Emily Chaykosky, Cassaundra (Sean) Kshir, Wes Pepper, Hunter Alexander, Megan Robinson, Tyler Robinson, Sean Chaykosky, and Erin Chaykosky. He is also survived by his brother, Terry (Marcella) Chaykosky, and his sister, Patricia (Hank) Ohloff and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nellie Chaykosky, and his grandson, Nicholas Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Stache Strong, supporting brain tumor research, at support.stachestrong.org.

Those who wish may leave a message for the family by visiting www.tiogapointcremation.com. Caring assistance is being provided by Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, Inc. 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.