Chester "Chet" Walter Bergalowski Jr., age 81, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Chet was born on September 2, 1944, in Laurel, MS, to Chester W. Bergalowski Sr. and Dollye Bergalowski. He graduated from George S. Gardiner High School (now Laurel High) in 1962, where he was a standout athlete in both football and baseball. He was drafted to play baseball for the New York Yankees out of high school, but chose instead to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on a double scholarship for football and baseball. After an injury, he focused on baseball, serving as catcher for the Ole Miss Rebels from 1964 to 1966; the 1964 team reached the College World Series Regionals. His passion and talent for the sport led to him being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round of the 1966 MLB Draft.

When his own athletic career came to a close, Chet continued to pour his love of the game into coaching. He began his teaching and coaching career at Maddox Junior High, later moving to Laurel High School, before returning to his alma mater, Ole Miss, to coach for a season. He then went on to serve as head football coach and athletic director at McComb High School from 1980 to 1990, leading his team to win the 1984 4A State Championship.

In 1991, he and his family moved to Pensacola, FL, where he became head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Pine Forest High School. In 1994, he accepted the position of head football coach and athletic director at Booker T. Washington High School, where in his very first season he guided the Wildcats to a state championship. He continued coaching there for 16 years, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and countless young athletes whose lives he impacted both on and off the field.

Chet found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He loved gathering everyone around the boom box to sing along, laugh, and enjoy being together. He was always at the grill, cooking for a crowd, and when he did, everyone seemed to flock to his house. Chet was known for his competitive spirit, quick wit, and deep love for those closest to him. A lifelong Ole Miss fan, he never missed a chance to cheer on his Rebels. He also loved sharing stories from his life - stories filled with humor, wisdom, and the kind of heart that made everyone want to listen just a little longer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester W. Bergalowski Sr. and Dollye W. Bergalowski, and his daughter, Sheri Bergalowski Rishel.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Linda Bergalowski, his high school sweetheart and wife of 34 years; his sister, Alma Gipson; his children, Amy Beard and Peyton Blackledge (Autumn); his grandchildren, Hunter Lawrence, Bailey Jones (Zac), Ashton Blackledge, Hayden Rishel, Irelyn Thomson, Ella Blackledge, Bryre Thomson, Covington Thomson, and Rease Rishel; and his great-grandchildren, Hollis and Miller Jones, and Karter Harrison.

A visitation will be held from 10:00am until a memorial service celebrating Chet's life begins at 11:00am Saturday, February 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, Chipley Hall. An internment service will be held in Laurel, MS at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of NW Florida or Mississippi.

Chet will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, coach, and friend who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter, leadership, and love for life will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.