Allan A. Chonko, Sr.

ALLAN A. CHONKO, SR., age 86, of Brooklyn Heights, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025. Allan was born July 17, 1938, to the late Andrew and Agnes Chonko. He graduated from Parma High School as a three-sport athlete in 1956.  Allan attended the University of Notre Dame where he played football until injuries ended his career. He went on to earn a degree in Political Science. He then obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University.   In 1963, Allan married Barbara (Malek) and together they raised three children.  Upon graduation, he worked in education as a teacher and football coach before becoming a firefighter for the city of Parma and later becoming the city’s fire inspector for many years.  Allan remained competitive in sports as an adult and passed along his knowledge through coaching not only his own children but neighborhood children as well.   He also enjoyed reading and music, particularly jazz and Frank Sinatra.  Allan was well versed on a vast array of subjects and would look forward to engaging in conversation and trivia with friends and family. Along with his late wife Barbara, he loved cheering on the Guardians, Browns, and Cavs; his alma maters, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and The Ohio State Buckeyes as well as his grandchildren’s sporting events. 

In addition to his parents, Allan is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, who passed away February 1, 2025 and brother Andrew (Anne Marie). Those left to cherish his memory are his children Allan Jr. (Janet), Scott and Hallie; grandchildren Kayla Woicehovich (Alex), Kevin, Kyle, Nathan, and Jared Chonko. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Arnold Chonko (Barbara) and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2025 FROM 10 A.M. UNTIL 12 NOON. Allan’s funeral services will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment All Saints Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested in his name to the Athletic Department at the University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Please include a note with the contribution directing the gift to the Rockne Athletics Fund. Online donations directly to the Rockne Fund may be made at https://giving.nd.edu/giving-societies/rockne-athletics-fund/.

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