Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Chayka Obituary
John attended Freedom High School where he played tennis and wrestled. He received a BS in Accounting and Business Management from Allentown College. John spent his career in financial services; mostly in the areas of benefits and compensation. He retired as a retirement plan administrator from Ascensus. John earned the title of Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, Qualified Plan Administrator, and Qualified 401(k) Administrator. John will be remembered as a charismatic, adventurous, and passionate man with a great sense of humor. He found great peace in the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with family in Vermont. John taught many outdoor activities to his children, including tennis, skiing, softball, and kayaking. John was a coach for Freemansburg Bethlehem Township Athletic Association (FBTAA) and was an avid wrestling fan. He was a member of the Heights A.A. John was also a talented photographer; he could often be found with his camera bag and tripod.
John will be dearly missed by his daughters, Annelise Chayka and husband, Robert Derke; and Allison Chayka; as well as grandson, Christian Phelan; sisters, Susan Gates and husband, Clifford; and Carol Parker; and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Friday, August 20, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a funeral service to immediately follow. The family requests that guests wear a mask. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to FBTAA, P.O. Box 3043 Bethlehem, PA 18017. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Chayka
Sponsored by Connell Funeral Home, Inc..
6 Entries
Hank Hartman
August 22, 2021
John and I were best friends since before kindergarten. He always was wearing a baseball shirt. As a kid, he was always playing baseball. If it wasn't little league it was a sandlot game with all the locals from Freemansburg. He was just a passionate about football. He had the first stingray bike with a banana seat I ever saw. We would pick fruit at his house. Apple trees, and pear trees. And climb trees. What a great friend. Rest peacefully John.
Irene Kovalovsky Goosley
August 16, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rudy
August 16, 2021
Annelise and Allison
Your dad meant so much to me. Words can't describe.
Seeing his picture brought back many fond memories and thoughts of a caring man.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Paul Kuzma LPN
August 16, 2021
Please accept my sympathy on John's passing. W as one of his nurses at Saucon Valley Manor, and always enjoyed chatting with him during rounds. His pleasant confusion was something I found very endearing, and was something we joked about constantly, especially with his sense of humor. I am very sorry for your loss.
Ingrid & Mark Buzsics
August 13, 2021
Annelise, Allison & family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Ingrid & Mark
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in John Chayka's name
Memorial Events
for John Chayka
Aug
20
Aug
20
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Chayka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
