Michael E. Chernesky
Michael Eugene Chernesky, 83, of Glenn Dale, passed away on May 12, 2024. He was born on January 4, 1941 In DuBois, Pennsylvania. He and his parents, John and Blanche (Matula) Chernesky, moved to North Tonawanda, New York in 1943. Mike graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1958, and received a BS degree in mathematics from Canisius College in 1963.
Mike was employed by the National Security Agency for 36 years, retiring in 1999. He received many awards for outstanding achievements during his career.
He was an avid sailor, and spent many happy hours about his sailboat Summer Solstice, either alone or in the company of family and friends. He and his brother Tom took several week-long sailing trips around the Bay prior to the pandemic.
Mike and his wife, the former Madonna Smith, traveled extensively, especially in retirement. They visited all 50 states, more than 40 other countries, and attended at least one baseball game in every major league city.
He was a member of St. Pius X Church in Bowie, where funeral services will be held at a later date.
Mike was the husband of Madonna, whom he married on July 4, 1964; the father of Michael, Mary and Catherine; the father-in-law of Jane and Ken; the grandfather of Matthew (Wingnay), Julie, Emma and Sean; the great-grandfather of Sequoia; the brother of Tom (Conni); and the brother-in-law of Ed (Joanne) and Joel (the late Joanne). He is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Contributions in Mike’s name can be made to SOME, 71 O Street NW, Washington DC 20001 (some.org), or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis MD 21403 (cbf.org).
Personal Remarks from Friends & Colleagues
I first heard of Mike when I used a wonderful training manual that he wrote for a cryptanalysis course that I had to take. Some years later he was my division chief. As was said at his funeral, Mike was a fair, easy-going, kind and friendly boss. It was a pleasure to work for him and continue to be friends with him and Madonna for many years. ~ Jo Ann Wittmann
