Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Chester "Chet" Gapczynski, age 63, of Sewickley, PA, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. Chet was born in Schenectady, NY, on May 10, 1962, a son of the late Chester and Doreen Gapczynski. He was the cherished father of Jordan (John) Sasson, Taylor (Matthew) Sasson, Ryleigh Gapczynski, and Chester Gapczynski; brother of Michelle (Joe) Ruchalski; and is also survived by four grandchildren and his long-term partner, Christina.
Chester was a longtime employee of Esmark Corporation. Dedicated to his craft, he devoted his life and career to coaching and mentoring youth, a journey spanning back to 1984. While working for Esmark, he also served as the CEO, Co-founder, and girls' Director of Coaching for FC Pittsburgh for many years, as well as a head soccer coach for the club. He was a devoted leader on and off the field to so many players and peers over the life of his career, taking great pride in his work and the development of players for over four decades. Chet was equally loyal to his faith, and as a longtime pastor, he took his learnings with him throughout his teachings and leadership.
In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, biking, and cooking. A memorial service will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chet’s name may be made to the Coach Chet Player Scholarship Fund.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester "Chet" Gapczynski, please visit our floral store.