On Friday, April 8 ^th , 2022, Chatham resident Harold (Bud) Piester Jr., beloved husband of the late Laura Moore Piester, passed away at the age of 93.

Bud was born on October 12 ^th , 1928 in Hudson, NY to Harold and Eugenia Burch Piester. He moved to Chatham in 1942 at the age of 14 when his father relocated to open a gas station. Bud graduated from Chatham High School and served four years in the US Navy from 1950-1954. Except for his time serving his country, he was a fixture on Hudson Avenue at the gas station for 52 years until its closing in 1994. Bud then worked seasonally for over 15 years for the Chatham Central School system, mowing and maintaining the school grounds and athletic fields.

On June 8 ^th , 1958, Bud married Laura Jean Moore and they were happily married for 60 years. They raised two sons, Tim and Todd, and Jon Nguyen, who came to America from Vietnam at the age of 10.

Bud was always quick with a smile and loved talking and joking with customers, teammates, co-workers, and family. He was a life-long Yankee fan and never missed an inning once VCRs were available, recording and watching every game. Bud loved softball and pitched in the Chatham men's fast-pitch league until he was in his early 50's. He was also an avid bowler, participating in leagues for many years.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Laura, and his sisters Janice (Jan) Weaver and Norma Sitzer. He is survived by Tim, Todd, and Jon as well as his sister, Jean (Sis) Lanphear, his brother, Ronald (Butch) Piester, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 13 ^th , 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wenk Funeral Home on Payn Avenue in Chatham. There will be a calling hour for friends and acquaintances beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com