It is with heavy hearts that the Chessani Family said goodbye to their patriarch, Arthur “Art” Chessani, on Father’s Day June 21, 2020. Son of John and Vera Chessani, Art was the youngest child born on June 3, 1943 at home in the town of Piru. Preceded in death by his parents, two eldest brothers John and Reynaldo, and 3 half-sisters Norma, Lucile, and Alice, Art remained the rock of the Chessani family and a landmark of his hometown. He stayed a proud lifetime resident of Piru, where he too married and raised his family with high-school sweetheart Virginia Chessani. Art is survived by his wife Virginia, daughters Cynthia and Annie, and son Phillip. Together with their families, Art’s children were blessed to have had the most devoted, kind-hearted, and patient man to call their own. Art was a committed grandfather to 5 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, and 1 great-granddaughter who will each dearly miss his warmth in their lives. He truly was a celebrated centerpiece of his family, and a treasured Father-in-law, Brother-in-law, Uncle, and friend to many.
Art was a Graduate of Fillmore High School class of 1962, where he proudly represented the Flashes on his High School Football Team. Into adulthood he worked for Fillmore Piru Citrus, briefly owned and operated a General Store with his wife in their hometown of Piru, and ended his work-life proudly retiring from Pacific Beverage. Art was a true lover of all things sports. Heformerly coached his daughter’s Softball Teams, attended all his children and grandchildren’s sporting events with pride, and later in life played for the Piru Men’s League Softball Team. Anyone who knew and loved Art knew that he was an outdoorsman at heart. Art most loved to fish, and liked to share that pastime with his son, son-in-law, and grandchildren each chance he had. As a family, the Chessani’s enjoy an annual Opening Day Fishing trip at Convict Lake. It was a tradition started by Art’s own parents, and one that Art continued to treasure each year with his own family. He always made time to teach fishing tricks to his grandkids, stopping to untangle their line or show them how to cast a bobber. And, he never left for the lake without a fresh thermos of coffee and a bag full of goodies. His happy place was truly Convict Lake, a place where so many memories were made and lifelong bonds were nurtured. Not only was Art a fisherman, but he loved the Drag Races, was always up for a Dodger game, and was a true Rams Fan for life. He was always open to a spontaneous road trip to just about anywhere that included his family. Whether he was the driver or the passenger, Art was up for a day trip to Bass Pro Shops, Chumash Casino, or any local snow covered mountain. He enjoyed grabbing breakfast out at any small-town café or IHOP, and especially enjoyed 50’s Diners where he could celebrate his love of classic cars and oldies music. Art had a real sweet tooth, always offering chocolates from his private stash of See’s Nuts & Chews. He lived his life with an open heart, and genuinely opened his home to those who loved him in return.
Art Chessani was the man with a perpetual smile, a talkative and outgoing spirit, and had an easy-going positive disposition anytime he was called upon. He was the grandfather any kid would be lucky to have, the father you knew you could always depend on, and the husband who devoted his life to the care of his wife until his came to an end. Art sincerely loved his family. He will undoubtedly be missed, but still celebrated in each of the traditions and memories he passed on during his lifetime. His smile is imprinted on the hearts of those who knew himbest. Father’s Day will forever be changed by the father and grandfather that Art Chessani was in his life, and the bittersweet day he became the guardian angel to all he loved so dearly.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at San Salvador Mission, 4041 Center St, Piru, CA 93040. Graveside to follow at Piru Cemetery. Funeral Services are under the direction of Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services.