Chester A. Hoynoski, Jr., of Venice, Florida—affectionately known as “Chet” or “Junior”—passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2026. Born on December 18, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Chet spent much of his life in Springfield and Westfield before relocating to Venice, Florida in 2015. He was the proud owner and operator of Chet’s Auto in Springfield for over 40 years, where he built a respected business in scrap metal, car parts, and used cars. Chet was a veteran of the United States Navy and a disabled Vietnam War veteran. He was an active member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge in Englewood, Florida, and the Japanese Gardens ARC Committee, where he served as Vice Chairman. Chet was an avid golfer and real estate entrepreneur, and well known by neighbors for his daily walks through Japanese Gardens. He lived life to the fullest—enjoying fine food, having a spring in his step, appreciating fast cars, and, most importantly, spending time with his many friends and beloved family. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda A. Cataw; his daughter, Leah (Nick) Andringa, and grandson Zachary of Agawam, Massachusetts; his twin sister, Laura Lewis of Columbus, Ohio; his brothers, John (Laural) Hoynoski of Higganum, Connecticut, and Anthony Hoynoski; as well as six nieces and one nephew. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Deborah Cook (Erick Shiels) of North Egremont, Massachusetts; Nadine Hawver of Sheffield, Massachusetts; and Michael Siefert (Diane) of Elmira, New York. He leaves behind grandsons Evan and Ryan; step-grandchildren Stephanie Ullrich (Timothy), Mariah Holm (Josh), and Cody Cook; five great-grandchildren, Fiona, Winter, Madison, McKenzie, and Michael; and two great-great-grandchildren. Chet was predeceased by his parents, Mary Michaela and Chester A. Hoynoski, Sr. of West Springfield, Massachusetts, and his son, Gregory Hoynoski of Boones Mill, Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made in Chet’s name to the American Breast Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, followed by burial at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. A calling hours will be from 1-2pm. Chet will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his generosity, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.