Professor Emeritus John Clark Chato joined the church Triumphant on November 16, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He passed peacefully at home.

He is survived by wife, Beth Chato, his children and their families- Chris Chato and Wayne Niemann of Durham, North Carolina; David, Cathy, and Paul Chato of Rocky River, Ohio; and Susan, Darryl, and Kyle Silver of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Chato and grandson, Trent Silver.

John was born on December 28, 1929 in Budapest, Hungary.

He came to the United States after graduating from high school. He earned a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, where he met his wife of 56 years, Beth Owens.

Dr. Chato added a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Math from M.I.T.

He was a Professor of Mechanical, Biological, and Nuclear Engineering at the University of Illinois from 1964 until retiring in 1996.

Dr. Chato was world renowned in his field, received numerous awards, and published multiple articles. He particularly enjoyed his work with graduate students which continued well into his retirement.

Dr. Chato was active in many professional and community organizations including ASME, ASHRAE, AIMBE, Izaak Walton League, Audubon Society, the Exchange Club, the M.T.D. Board, and the Urbana Plan Commission.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, serving as Trustee, Elder, Story Teller, and Bell Ringer. He was an avid tennis player.

He and Beth were world travelers. John will be greatly missed although his impact on the community will be long remembered. Picture him now playing tennis with his grandson Trent in the clouds.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church of Urbana (on Green Street).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Urbana or the Champaign County Audubon Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.