Allen F. Giza

Allen F. Giza, dearest son of the late Frank and Grace; stepson of the late Rita; son-in-law of Ann (late Bernard) Prem; cherished husband of Claudette, nee Prem; loving dad of Danielle and John; dear brother of Michael (Stella), Grace (Sal) LoBianco and the late Jerry; fun-loving uncle of Anna, Adam, Michael, Julia, Teresa, Margaret, Jerry and Philip; great friend to many. Passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2008 after a valiant struggle with heart disease. Allen was the eldest of four children and was born on Cortez Street in the neighborhood where he would later be partners with his brother at Mike's Furniture on Ashland Avenue. The majority of his homelife however was spent on the northwest side of Chicago-an area he loved and did not want to leave. He attended St. Tarcissus Grammar School, St. Patrick's H.S. and he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago. During his high school years he wrote for the Press Newspapers with a column entitled " You and Nature". At that time he had a keen interest in Geology and organized and participated in several fossil hunts. Before he became a partner in his business he had worked for many years at Jewel Foods, Grainger, Chicago Title and Continental Coffee. Allen met his wife in high school and after college graduation they purchased their first home together and married November 1973. One of the greatest thrills of his life was the trip to Poland where he and Claudette adopted their two children. Throughout his married life he was always generous to family and friends, giving of his time and money to those who asked for his help. He also gave freely to many charitable organizations which he encountered through his business. Allen had a genius for electronics, technology, building and management. His motto was "Whatever it takes" and one of his favorite songs (aside from Polka music) was "My Way". Travel was enjoyable to Allen and a trip he particularly would always remember was a trip to the steam trains in Colorado. At home, he built with the help of Conrad, a outdoor railroad which he loved sharing with his nephews and the neighborhood children. He also had fun with various family dogs, Pepper, Freebie and especially Sandie, who passed away the same day as he. Another one of Allen's great enjoyments was Christmas and he had a multitude of heirloom decorations from his family that he cherished and was proud to display. We, his family, are so grateful that we were given one last Christmas together. He will always remain in our hearts, though broken, and the strength of his spirit will help us to continue in our own lives until we are together again. Funeral Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 9:15 a.m. from Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago to St. Cornelius Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Visitation Monday and Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m. Info 773-774-0366 or www.colonialfuneral.com