Michael Stephen Chernega, 56, of Rector, died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005, at UAMS in Little Rock.

He was born Nov. 24, 1948, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Walter Chernega and Julia Drezwicki Chernega.

He was a grain exporter with Cargill Exporters, had been a member of the community for one year and was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors include a loving companion, Sharlon Marble of the home; two sons, Michael Stephen Chernega Jr. and Bryan Christopher Chernega of Brooklyn; one daughter, Michelle Marie Chernega of Brooklyn; one sister and husband, Christina and Anthony Aurilia of Old Bridge, N.J., and two nieces.

Memorial services were held Sunday, Aug. 21, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector.