Emile graduated from Lisbon High School and was actively involved in the community. He served as the Topsham Board of Selectmen and school board member of MSAD 75. He worked for Pejepscot Paper Company for 38 years and for Statler Tissue, in Augusta, for four years before retiring.
Emile recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Joan, family and friends in June. He was a dedicated husband and family man, a devout Catholic who was very involved in the church including time spent on the parish council.
He was a man who loved the outdoors. He was well known for his knowledge of the woods and spent many leisure hours cutting and splitting wood, hunting for Christmas trees, picking mushrooms and blueberries, golfing and sailing. He was a sports enthusiast with a passion for the Red Sox!
An avid gardener, he had two green thumbs and a very dry sense of humor. He liked to keep people guessing. He once told the neighbors that he was conducting an experimental research project for the University of Maine by mixing seaweed in with his potato plants to harvest “instant clam chowder.”
He put his family and friends first and was always willing to extend a helping hand. He was a hard working and determined man, creating practical solutions to challenging problems and accomplished to others what seemed impossible.
He is survived by his wife Joan Chonko, a daughter, Cheryl and her husband William Card of Harpswell; a son, Michael and his wife Kimberly Chonko of Topsham. Grandchildren Ashley and Matthew Card and Nicholas and Benjamin Chonko. Sisters Mary Aderhold, Dorothy Cardali and brothers John and Mike Chonko.
Donations may be made to Chans Home Health Hospice care, and the Maine Cancer Foundation.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Demers-Desmond Funeral Home, 34 Cushing St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Harpswell.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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