Chester Sapalio

Chester William Sapalio (Chet), age 74, died at his home in State College, PA, on August 2, 2025, after a long journey with bladder cancer. He was born in Somerset, PA, to Bernice (Caldaroni) and Chester G. Sapalio. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Sapalio; daughter, Jessica Sapalio; son-in-law, Ariel BenYishay; stepsons, Seth and Chase Shaffer (and wife Mackenzie); and grandchildren, Christian, Savannah, Luca, Siena, and Callan. He was preceded in death by his brother, James. 

Chet was a graduate of Somerset Area Senior High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He spent much of his career in the energy industry, with many of his projects focused on renewable energy. Throughout his life, Chet was passionate about physics and astronomy—from his childhood days launching homemade rockets to more recent years filled with voracious reading of quantum physics and math books. Chet also loved aviation, owning and flying a Grumman American Cheetah and nurturing a love of flight in his daughter and grandchildren. He spent many afternoons watching college football and nights watching meteor showers. He loved to travel and was always up for a UFO hunt or a game of blackjack!

But there was nothing more important to Chet than his family; he was incredibly supportive and never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them. One of his best qualities was how he made his family (and many others) feel that he was their champion, cheering them on even when the going got tough. He was always eager to hear about what his family members were working on, learning, or enjoying. Chet also loved giving gifts. His encouragement and unending love were his greatest gifts of all.

Donations in his memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a cause close to his heart. https://donate.nami.org/chet