Joseph Chester Cherro

Joseph “Joe” Chester Cherro, a lifelong resident of Duluth, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 102. Born in April of 1923, to Michael and Celeste (Ciccitelli) Cherro, he was a proud graduate of Denfeld High School after attending Adams, St. Clement’s, and Lincoln Junior High.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," he served with the U.S. Army during World War II from April 1943 to January 1946. His service took him to the Southwest Pacific, where he spent nearly two years in New Guinea and the Philippines. He remained dedicated to his fellow veterans as a lifetime member of VFW Post 137 and American Legion Post 71.

Following his military service, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Hoban, in August 1946. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage until her passing. He was a devoted family man and a hardworking employee of U.S. Steel in Duluth for 38 years, remaining with the company until the plant’s closure in 1979.

A man of deep faith, he was a charter member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. He was active in the parish community as a member of the OK Club, a church usher, and a volunteer on the funeral committee. In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping and traveling with his family, was an avid golfer and bowler, and spent many afternoons playing cribbage and pinochle.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte; his brothers, Tom, Tony, Sam, Harvey, Robert, and Buster; and his sister, Margaret.

He is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (Pete) Amys of Omaha, NE, Leanne (Larry) Berg of Duluth, and Julie (Graydon) Amundson of Winter Haven, FL; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation 10 am until the 11 am Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 151 West Linden St. Military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to MACV, 5209 Ramsey St, Duluth, MN 55807, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.