10/27/2025
John Atwell Chesebrough “Mr. Cheese” was born in Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital to Wilhelmina Mattoon June of 1933. He was adopted by Florence Chesebrough. John journeyed into the clouds, he so loved, on October 21st from his home.
John's life was filled with adventure, service, and connection. After graduation from Edmeston Central School in 1951, he married Anna Clare, with whom he shared many wonderful years until her passing in 1998. In 2002, John found love again and married Sylvia.
John was predeceased by his mother, Florence Josephine Chesebrough, his birth mother, Wilhelmina Ruth Mattoon, his beloved wife Anna Clare, his son, Thomas John, and his brother, David.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; children, Betty Ann, PK, Prudence (Paul) Whitehead, John Barrett (Amy) Chesebrough, and Trinity (Brad) Belden. John was blessed with grandchildren Jessica, Cassandra, Barrett, Wesley, Clare, Elyse, Emma, Hannah, Ashleigh, John Thomas, Brycen, and Brooke; and great-grand-children Cole, Landon, Lincoln, Foster, Claira-Belle, Penelope, Ruby, Atticus, Massimo, Rosalee, Porter, Jacob, and Lucinne. Brothers William (Ceil) Reid and Bob (Cathy) Reid; Brother and Sister in laws Judy/Bob Irvin, John/Pam Clapper, Terry/Sharonee Clapper, Phyllis Honrine, and Violet/Edwin Tiru. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle John.”
John devoted much of his career to Otsego School (1951-1980). He also worked as a school bus driver for Edmeston Central School and a Pilot at Norwich Pharmaceutical. He served his community faithfully as a member of the Edmeston Fire Department, charter member of the Edmeston Emergency Squad, and was also a Rotary member. He was also a devoted member of Second Baptist Church Edmeston, where he had served as a trustee, deacon, and a choir member.
John lived life to the fullest. A certified pilot, he logged countless hours in the air – both professionally and for fun, often sharing the joy of flight with friends and family in his beloved plane “Jezebel”. His many hobbies included barrel racing “Spanish Eyes”, motorcycle riding, wood cutting –(always leaving behind many pristine stacks of neatly piled wood), winter snow skiing, water skiing and time at Summit Lake, and even unicycling. He participated in the Boilermaker race many times, was an active member of the Peet Hook players. John took great joy in mowing his lawn as he loved being outside. He also enjoyed hunting, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, Model A car rides, banana splits, and visits to Folly Beach.
John was known for his humor, kindness, and steadfast faith. His favorite hymns – It Is Well with My Soul, The Old Rugged Cross, and Angel on My Shoulder reflected the peace and grace he carried with him. Whether piloting his plane, sharing laughter with family, or helping others in his quiet steadfast way, John lived a life full of purpose and heart. He will be remembered for his generosity, his love of community, and the countless lives he touched.
Memorial services will be at 1:00PM on Sunday November 16th at the Second Baptist Church, North St. Edmeston.
A "pancake breakfast", with be held at the Edmeston Fire Department from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm following the memorial service to celebrate John's life. Ice cream will also be served, as pancakes and ice cream were john's favorite things to eat.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edmeston Emergency Squad in memory of John.
