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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
Allen Checca Obituary
Born: December 27, 1947 in Morgan, PA
Died: May 29, 2025 in Roanoke, VA
Allen Checca died peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Roanoke, Va. In the 15 years since suffering a stroke, he lost the ability to walk and talk. Below is the obituary he wrote.
I died Thursday, May 29, 2025. Don't grieve for me. I'm in heaving walking, running, soaring and telling jokes.
I was born December 27, 1947, in Morgan, Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining town near Pittsburgh, to Lawrence and Hester (Castelli) Checca.
I leave behind my wife, Lois (Kersanty) Checca, children Christopher (Tabetha) and Carey (Todd Burns) and grandsons Jonathan, Jacob, Connor and Declan.
I've lived a full life, meeting many of my life goals. I started college at the age of 30. I thought I was too old. I thought it would take 10 years, and I would be 40 before I finished. My wife asked, "How old will you be in 10 years if you don't go?" I earned degrees in business and engineering.
I always wanted to learn to fly. I became an instrument-rated private pilot and built my own airplane. My wife and I flew it all over the U.S., and my son and I flew it to Alaska.
I have many regrets. I should have had more children. I am very proud of the two I have and more would have made me prouder. I moved away from home for a job. I failed to appreciate the value of extended family and old friends. My children will never know how much richer their lives would have been.
Thank you to all the friends and mentors I've had over the years. No one can make it alone. See you when you get here!
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 13, at Hope Lutheran Church, 305 W. Black Road, Shorewood, Ill.
Allen is also survived by his brothers Elio "Larry" Checca of Haymarket, Va., and Randy (Sandy) Checca, of Dunedin, Fla., and nieces and nephews Laura Checca-Burns, Jeff Kersanty, Jennifer Wagner, Joy Checca and Alex Checca.
The family would like to thank the caring staff of Lightways Hospice in Joliet, Ill., Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, Va., Ms. Tina, Ms. Larrie, Brittany and others in Friendship North's Transitional Care Unit in Roanoke, and Ricky, who cared for Allen at his Shorewood home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allen Checca
Nick Howland
August 15, 2025
I worked with Allen in the "school house" at Dresden Generating Station.
It was only two years but he impressed me with his brains and his wit.
I think of him often.
Debbie Sink
July 13, 2025
Al and Lois were our neighbors for about 10 years. We loved them both very much. Al always had a joke and a smile! One day he came over and asked me, "Can Greg come out to play?" He took him flying in his plane. They had a great time together that day! Al will be miss by anyone that knew him and loved him!
Jeff Miller
July 10, 2025
Rest in peace, Al. It was great knowing you and working with you, particularly during the exciting time of construction and startup of LaSalle Station.
That took a great Team and every one of us were essential.
We would all like to do more, but our accomplishments are bigger than we remember. We all remember you with honor.
Edward Stefan
July 10, 2025
Rest in Peace Al. It was an honor to have known you and worked with you through the years. My condolences to the family. Peace and comfort through this difficult time. God Bless.
Craig Greaves
July 10, 2025
It was a pleasure to know and work with you. Fly high and free my friend.
Cheri Troxel
July 10, 2025
Lois and family,
I´m very sorry for your loss. Al was a kind and patient man. I love his written obituary.
Sending love to all of you
Cheri Troxel
Michael C Holmes
July 10, 2025
Rest in peace Al. It was great to have worked with you and to have been a friend of yours. My condolences to the family, may the happy memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time
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