John L. Chesson, Sr.

JOHN L. CHESSON, SR. affectionately know as "Squeaky", "Dad", and "Papa John" was born to the late Willie Major Chesson and the late Peggie Robinson.  John was born on March 2, 1957 in Buffalo, New York. On August 16, 2016, he made his transition into eternal rest, at his home.

He was added to the body of at Linwood Church of Christ at an early age, and remained a faithful saint under the leadership of Brother John Smiley.  He loved the Lord, his family, and his community.

John completed his education through the school systems of Buffalo, New York and Williamston, North Carolina.

After graduating from High School he became an entrepreneur, as originator and founder of C&C Entertainment, he promoted concert after parties.  He later collaborated with his brother Frederick Chesson ("Freddie C"), and his business became the  basis of Mr. Chesson's relationship with Alan Haymon Productions, where John excelled in the capacity of hospitality and transportation coordinator on concert tours throughout the United States and Canada.  John was a behind the scenes force in the entertainment business. He was able to create and price a rider for a concert detailing the cost of every phase of a concert from start to finish within 15 minutes.  For this fact alone he was known by many as "Mr. Showtime", always willing to give consultation and advice on promoting and producing a concert.  As John continued to maintain his position with Al Haymon/Freddie C Promotions, he simultaneously held other employment such as being a Fireman for the Buffalo Public School System.  He owned and operated his own delicatessen/fast food restaurant adjacent to Dr. Martin Luther King Park.  Also, John was a relief driver at Community Services for the developmentally disabled population.  He began as a dispatcher and taxi driver at Cold Spring Taxi Service. He was dedicated to the owners, the late Mr. Roy Thomas and Mrs. Clara Thomas, whom he loved as parents and whom he addresses as, "Mom and Dad."  His supervisory and interpersonal skills resulted in him becoming the Manager of the business for the past eight years until his untimely death.

John was the former President of the Erickson/Wecker Block Club, committee person for the UNITY Coalition and a delegate for the Democratic Party.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 21 years Deborah (nee McKinnon); mother-in-law Dorothy McKinnon; Deidre E. Chesson and Tiffany (Devon) Kidd; and a son James (Latryse) Anderson Jr., and he was preceded in death by his son John L. Chesson Jr. He was an avid beliver in traing up ALL of his 13 grandchildren in the way of the Lord: Brittany Kirkland, Skylynn Scott Tajanay Chesson (Charlotte, NC), Amunique Chesson, Te'Ara Coleman, Jasmine Morris, Justin McKenzie, Schacore Anderson, Toshandra Anderson; 3 great grandchildren: Jordan Brooks, Dakhari Gray and Kayden Edwards (Dallas, Texas); 5 brothers: Terrance (Bertha) Chesson, Victor Hampton, William Taliaferro, Lawerence (Catrena) Gadley Jr., Troy (Carla) Whigham of Boston, MA, the late Fredrick Chesson and the late Michael Vinson; 5 sisters:Cynthia (Ben) Burks of Los Angles, CA, Cynthia Cornelius, Pamela Reid and Carolyn Cornelius all of Boston, MA, his sister Shelly D. Gripper preceded him in death.  He also leaves to mourn his passing: sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends; and a very special cousin Wayne Scott.  John loved his God sister Jocelyn Scott.  Also, John will be missed by his exceptionally devoted special friends: Keith McKinnis, Anthony Thomas and Branden Hamilton.

Family will receive friends Friday, August 26, 2016, 11:00 am at Linwood Church of Christ, 2523 Main Street.  Funeral to follow at 12 noon.  Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Hamburg, NY

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