Obituary of Roger L. Chenez

Roger L. Chenez passed away Monday September 13, 2021 at the Weinberg Campus in Amherst.  Born in Lockport on April 25, 1947, he was the son of the late Louis F. and Mary Jane (Bixler) Chenez.  Roger served in the US Army from 1966- 1968.  He worked for Verizon Communications where he was a central office technician retiring in 2001 after 32 years.  Roger was predeceased by his wife, Sheila Rae (Hicks) Chenez on November 6, 2020.

Roger is survived by his children Gregory (Jenniffer) Chenez, Joleen (Charles) Milne, Todd (Karla) Chenez, and Carie (Douglas) Parsons; grandchildren Jack and Maxim Chenez, Alex and Sam Milne, Joe and Lilly Chenez, and Nate and Connor Parsons; great grandchildren Camden Parsons and Brayden Milne; siblings Sharon (Darrell) Goff, Karen (Denis) Roy, Richard (Laurie) Chenez, Kim (Robert) Wojtylak; also several nephew, nieces, and cousins.

Roger was a respected, long time community union activist, lobbyist, and committeeman.  Roger was President of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1117, Niagara-Orleans Labor Council President, WNYCWA Council President, First VP Western Chapter of NYS Alliance for Retired Americans, President of the Western Chapter of the Retired Members Council (CWA), as well as, an awarded Labor Person of the Year.

Roger, founder of the EJ Mays Golf Tournament (Scholarship). The tournament is entering its 19^th year, and is credited with awarding over 150 college scholarships to the families of CWA.

In 2012, Roger was awarded the EJ Mays Memorial Award (Leadership).

Roger’s hobbies, were model trains, enjoying Buffalo Bills and Sabre games.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, September 16^th from 3-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 17^th at 10 AM in St. Brendan On The Lake, 3455 Ewings Rd., Newfane.  Interment will be in St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery, Newfane.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.