Robert A. Checola of Warwick, NY (formerly of Yorktown Heights) passed away peacefully on June 4, 2018 with his family by his side.
Born in Chicago, IL on August 25, 1928 to parents Anthony and Helen (McNicholas) Checola.
Robert, who was known as “Chic” to those who knew him, was a 1946 graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS in Brooklyn, NY where he discovered his love and talent in track and field. It was there that he was the National 1-mile Champion in ’46, and was part of the 2 mile Penn Relay Championship team in 1944-46. He was a 1950 graduate of Manhattan College where he continued to excel in both athletics and academics. He was honored with membership in the Pen and Sword Society. In 2000, he was inducted into the Bishop Loughlin High School Hall of Fame for excellence in track and field sports.
Robert joined the U. S. Marines during the Korean War and proudly served with the rank of First Lieutenant and later served as Captain in the Reserves.
Chic modeled in the ‘50s, and one could stumble upon his photo while browsing through Life Magazine or walking through Grand Central Station where a billboard of him hung.
He later began a career in business and was the Vice President of Buddy L Toys and an Independent Sales Rep.
Robert was married to the late Kathleen A. O’Donnell. Chic and Kathleen enjoyed 58 beautiful and exciting years of marriage together full of family and travel. Chic continued his travels even after the passing of Kathleen. He recently enjoyed spring break in Cancun!
Robert loved his wife, his friends, and his family, but maybe most of all, a good game of golf!
He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Robert is survived by his son, Robert T. Checola and his spouse Carlos Rodriguez of Kew Gardens, NY; four daughters, Patricia Godfrey and husband Charles of Shrewsbury, MA, Susan Mastromatteo of Warwick, NY, Linda Checola of Worcester, MA and Karen McDonald and husband Edward of Arlington, MA; 13 grandchildren: Tommy, Amy, Jackie, MaryAnne, Nicole, Katherine, Kristin, Caroline, Chris, Eddie, Casey, Erin and James; 8 great-grandchildren and a sister Joan Higgins and her husband Robert of East Northport, NY; brother-in-law, Thomas O’Donnell of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 7 from 4-8 p.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephens RC Church, 75 Sanfordville Road, Warwick.