John Louis Chickness
John Louis Chickness
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John Chickness Obituary
John Louis Chickness of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale.
He was born March 2, 1932 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to the late Louis and Jenny Tshiqnas. He earned a designation of LIMI from Purdue University. He was a PIAA referee for 25 years as a rules interpreter for basketball and football. John was a State Farm Agent for 40 years before retiring and was State Farm's first National Television Spokesperson to film a commercial outside of the office. He was a member of Solid Rock Church in Winter Haven. He was a member of Lake Ashton Country Club and was a lifetime member of State Farm's Presidents Club. He was a Ham radio operator with the highest certification and his call sign was WN3W.
John was preceded in death by his sister, Mary. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Audry Chickness; sons, John Chickness, Jr. of Baden, Pennsylvania and Thomas Chickness (Pam) of Harmony, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren, Andrea Chickness-Lewis (Isaac), Dr. Jason Chickness (Karley) and Brooke Chickness-Quintero (Christian).
A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
454 S Buck Moore Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
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2 Entries
Dave Buckenheimer
October 8, 2024
John (No 1) Chickness was absolutely the best PIAA Football and Basketball Official in Western Pennsylvania in the 1960’s, 1970’s and into the 80’s! (Hence the No 1)During those years not only did he take me under his wing when I first started officiating together we also became inseparable during those years and it was like officiating with your self! We never once disagreed on a call either one of us made in either sport! John was our Rules Interpreter for the Beaver Valley Football Chapter of PIAA Registered Officials! John was our Rock!
The “Solid Earth” behind this Rock was his beautiful wife Audrey! She was always gracious when John would bring his loud game play reviewing officiating crew home after a game : unannounced! Talk about late and noisy! She never called a Technical or threw a Flag on us! John called her his Sweetheart! And she is one! John and Audrey have Two Sons , John and Tom! They could not have been more proud to have them carry on the Chickness Name! I have often been asked “Who is or was your best friend ever? That’s easy :John Chickness - No 1 !! Dave Buckenheimer
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Monica Bonacci
March 26, 2024
John meant so much to me, well beyond what words can express. He was my boss, my friend and my mentor. He helped me build the foundation that I stand on today. My life is so fulfilled because of the opportunities he gave me and the path it directed me to. John and Audry are two of the most influential people in my life and I am so grateful for the many years of guidance, happiness and love they so kindly showed me. My thoughts and prayers are with Audry and the whole Chickness family as they say goodbye to such a great man. I will never forget you John.
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