Nicholas T. Chonko Jr., passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3rd , surrounded by his loving family. The funeral is from the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave., Roselle Park, N.J., on Friday, January, 9th, at 9:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Theresa R.C. Church in Kenilworth at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth. Visitation is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 8th.

Born on March 12, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Nicholas was the beloved son of Mildred and Nicholas Chonko Sr. He later moved with his family to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and in 1967 settled in Kenilworth, New Jersey, where he built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Nicholas dedicated 26 years of his professional life to Wakefern Food Corp, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and commitment. Equally important to him was his lifelong devotion to the Knights of Columbus. A member for 30 years, Nicholas served in many roles including Columbian Club Trustee for many years, Columbian Club Bar Chairman, and Operations Manager of Knights of Columbus Council 4186. He became a 4th Degree member in 2000 and was a proud Lifetime Member.

Above all, Nick was a family man. He loved his family tremendously and showed that love in countless ways — especially through his cooking. Everyone loved gathering at Uncle Nick’s house for holidays, where no one ever left hungry and most left with tons of food to last the week. He was remembered for his warm smile, his contagious laugh, and a generosity that made his home feel like everyone’s home.

Nick was a faithful parishioner at St. Theresa’s Church. He was an avid music lover, the coupon king, grill master, loved to dance, played in multiple bowling leagues with friends, trips to the casino, and staying active.

Nick never missed a moment that mattered to his children. He always went to all of his kids’ sporting events, attending every game with drinks and snacks and cheering from the sidelines.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Chonko, who have been married 53 years — a testament to love, partnership, and friendship.

Nick is survived by his three children: Nicholas Chonko and wife Diana, Michael Chonko and wife Adia, and Christina Cooper (Chonko) and husband Luke. He was a proud grandfather to six cherished grandchildren — Taniah, Toby, Kelsie, Julian, Nico, and Zuri — and a loving great-grandfather to Saint. He is also survived by his sisters, Nellie-Ann Chudzikiewicz (and her late husband Richie), Gail Russo and husband Arty, sister in laws Brunie Cicio, sister in law Mildred Rivera and husband Steven. Nick was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Chonko, and niece Melissa, and sister in laws Mendy, Lillian and brother in law Michael.

He leaves behind his beloved godchildren Emily, Little Arty, Justeen,and Frank, many cherished nieces and nephews — Kenny Jr., Jennifer, Emily, Little Arty, Elim, Carmen, Susanne, Maureen, Charleen, Justeen, Vinnie, Sal, and Dianne, and also many great nieces and nephews.

To his nephew Kenny Jr., Nick was not only an uncle, he was a second father to him.

Nick will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, but his kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.