BEAUFORT, S.C. - Chester “Chet” Stephen Rogowski, 94, of Beaufort, S.C. passed away peacefully at home Feb. 16, 2022 with family by his side. If not for an inoperable brain tumor he would likely still be rejoicing in life, sharing his love and faith with all his family, and climbing the steps at the Hunting Island Lighthouse, as he had done several times since moving to the Lowcountry in 2011.

Friends and family are invited to honor and celebrate Chet’s life with a visitation at Copeland Funeral Service, Beaufort, S.C. from 5 until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25. U.S. Navy honors will be rendered at 5:30 p.m. Following visitation, a celebration of Chet’s life will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Copeland Funeral Service.

Chet was born Sept. 22, 1927 and raised in Chicago, where he met his wife of 60 years, Joyce, while they studied classical piano together at The Metropolitan College of Music. Though their music professor had dreamt of taking them to Carnegie Hall as concert pianists, they opted to marry in 1950 and begin a family.

Survivors include his children, Vickie (Jerry, deceased) Blake, Cynthia (Will) Fahler, Joe (Colleen) and Tim (Margaret); nieces, Valerie (Jim, deceased) Gleeson, Joanne Witzkowski and Laurie (Salvador) Patino; and numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife; sons, Stephen and Mark; granddaughter, Lauren Browark; grandson, Phillip; and great-great-grandson, Aayden McDonald.

After his high school graduation in May of 1945, Chet volunteered to enlist in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 during World War II, where he patrolled the West Coast on the USS LSM 436. He carried that volunteer spirit throughout his life, working with several churches, charities and hospices, donating his time and talents to benefit others. He had a very strong Christian faith and shared his love and compassion with all whom he met. After marrying, he and Joyce lived in Chicago and the surrounding area for the next 54 years and then moved to Valrico, Fla. where Joyce passed away in 2010. A year later, Chet moved to the Lowcountry in South Carolina. He will be sorely missed by so many from near and far.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Friends of Caroline Hospice in Beaufort, S.C. or the charity of choice.

Please share your thoughts and stories about Chet by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com.