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Walter Chekas Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Walter C. Chekas, 92, a resident of Springfield for most of his life, died at 6:53 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010, at Memorial Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 18, 1917, in Springfield, the son of Joseph and Anne Jacobs Chekas. He married Josephine L. Flammini on Oct. 19, 1944.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 1 daughter, JoAnn M. Chekas Hoehn; 3 sisters, Pat Chekas, Ann Sobol and Josephine Bernd; and 1 son-in-law, Thomas Mahoney.
Mr. Chekas was a machine operator for Sangamo Electric, retiring in 1973 after 29 ½ years of service. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines Corps in World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery when wounded in action aboard the USS Bennington.
He was a life member of the DAV and American Legion. He was a member of St. Joseph Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Terry L. Mahoney of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at Staab Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010, at St. Joseph's Church, with Monsignor Holinga officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Chekas
Kelly Copeland
May 2, 2010
Walter was the highlight of my night when I worked. He always had a story for me. I will miss him very much and am lucky he was in my life for the past 2 years while working as a nurse at VLC. Rest in peace
Don & Urlis Farley
May 2, 2010
Dear Terry, I hope you remember us, we lived across the street from you for about 17 years. Don and Walt were good buddies through those years while you and Joann and our kids; Shawn, Tim, and Noni, were growing up. You and Joann were older and Joann babysat for us many times. Don has had two surgeries in the last month and we were not able to pay our respects when your Dad died. When we moved away over 37 years ago we lost touch, even though we remained in the northend and actually live only a few blocks away. Don always spoke fondly of your Dad and it makes him smiles when he thinks of some of the good times and laughs they had together. We just wanted you to know we are thinking of you and we are glad you were blessed by having him all those years. You have our sincerest sympathy.
Joellen Corrao
April 28, 2010
Shipmates and families of the U.S.S.Bennington mourn your loss. In memory of your loved one, the U.S.S. Bennington Association Auxiliary has made a contribution to the Memorial Fountain near the ship's bell in Bennington, Vermont. A wreath will also be placed at the ship's bell in August in memory of departed Bennington shipmates and their spouses.
Gary Lamsargis
April 28, 2010
I am writing this for myself & my sister, Mary Lyn Sundberg, & her family. our father was Charles(Chick) Lamsargis,who, along with our uncle, Walter(Tick) Lamsargis, were old friends & neighbors with Mr. Chekas. we grew up hearing about "ol' Hambone". my Uncle Tick, when I informed him of Hambone's passing, said that he just lost his best friend, as well as his fishing buddy. rest in peace, & condolences to the family. Gary Lamsargis
Susan McCain
April 27, 2010
What an honor it was to have been a part of Walt's life the last few years. His terrific stories and colorful advice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Walter. God Bless!
April 27, 2010
2008 Mt. Pulaski Memorial Day visit to Walter Chekas at Mt. Pulaski Vonderleith Living Center
Joseph Pires
April 27, 2010
Dear Terry,
On behalf of the USS Bennington Association, please accept our condolences on the loss of your dad and our shipmate.
We thank you for his service to God & Country and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the other members of the Chekas family.
Also please know that in August of this year in Bennington, VT. at our annual memorial wreath laying ceremony, that Walter will be remembered and the Ship's Bell will toll in his memory.
Semper-Fi Walter and "Rest in Peace"
With My Deepest Sympathy,
Joseph L. Pires
USS Bennington Historian
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Kaycie Neuhaus
April 27, 2010
I was very lucky to have gotten to take care of Walt over the last several years. He was definitely my buddy. He could tell you story after story and I loved to sit and chat with him when I had free time to spare. He was always so caring and always wanting to make sure everything was going ok with me even when he felt his worst. I will forever miss him.
April 27, 2010
No more nursing home confinement, he's free. Thank God for his service to our country and long lived life.
phil bertoni
Mt. Pulaski American Legion Post 447 Commander
April 27, 2010
Uncle Walt always made me laugh. I will remember all the days we shared and his stories will be remembered.
God Daughter Irene
April 27, 2010
Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fi.
April 27, 2010
So Sorry to hear the news about Walt..my dad and Walt were good friends as I was..I enjoyed the many times we went fishing together in years past...Walt was a true gentlemen with a good sense of humor..a true north ender...my deepest sympathies..Bill Secker
April 27, 2010
Terri,
Your dad was an amazing person! I enjoyed my years of visits and taking Holy Communion to him. He had several good years in Vonderleith, but now I'm glad he's over his pain and sufferings. phil bertoni Mt. Pulaski St. Thomas Aquinas
You are missed
Christy Stoltzenburg
April 26, 2010
Christy Stoltzenburg
April 26, 2010
I loved Walter so much,most nights he was the only person that could make me want to go to work. I had many years with Walter I will cherish his stories and our visits. Walter loved to laugh and loved to make you laugh. I have missed him deeply while I have been in Germany, I am thankful that I was able to still call and talk to him. I love you Walter. Terri I know this is a hard time for you, you were his world. I am thinking of you. You and your family are in my prayers
Tina Clem
April 26, 2010
I was there when you first came to VLC. First as a CNA and then as your Nurse. I will truly miss you! Always in my heart! Love Jumpy
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