Sam A. Chickerella

Sam Allan Chickerella, age 86, of Dublin, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at the Dublin Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with stroke-related illnesses. Sam was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio on November 2, 1924. He was the son of first generation immigrants, Salvatore and Vincenza Chickerella. Sam was one of seven children. He was a graduate of Martins Ferry High School. Sam was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater in the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, Northern Solomons, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Western Pacific and Ryukyus Islands theaters. After the war, he attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was a member of the OSU men’s basketball team and the Wheeling Blues. Sam taught and coached at Linden McKinley High School. There he met Constance Hanlin. They were married on December 23, 1950. He and Connie were blessed to have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past year. After teaching, Sam became an associate with the Prudential Insurance Company in 1952. Sam was very accomplished in his career and earned many accolades. He chaired the Columbus Life Underwriters Association and acted as its president. He was also the president of the local GAMA and the Ohio Association of Life Underwriters. Sam received countless Prudential and industry honors. In 1979 he was the first recipient of the Columbus “CLU of the Year” plaque. This award has since been renamed the Sam A. Chickerella, CLU Hall of Fame Award. Sam “Chick” was also involved in many civic organizations. His memberships included: the Optimist Club, Piave Club, the American Italian Club, and President of the Whetstone Boosters Association. After retirement, he and his wife Connie, spent winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Sam was a parishioner of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church in Dublin, Ohio. He was a man of deep faith and belief. He lived his life with Christian convictions and tenants. Sam was an Italian American member of the Riviera Country Club. He was an avid golfer and loved the friends with whom he played and spent time. Sam was a wonderful orator. He loved to tell stories and was the master of ceremonies at many events. Sam was a great man who was loved by all who had the good fortune to know him. Sam suffered a stroke in 1992, which slowed him down a bit, but never took away his love of life. He continued to enjoy winning at cards and watching every sporting event. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Constance Hanlin Chickerella of Dublin; his four children: Sharyl Chickerella (John) Flory of Plain City, Ohio, Sam (Jessica) Chickerella, Jim (Kathy) Chickerella and Mark (Dee Anna) Chickerella, all of Powell, Ohio. He was blessed with ten grandchildren: Kelly (Alier) Franco, Dan (Lisa) Flory, Jenny and Rebekah Flory, Ashley (Matt) Myers, Rachel, Jimmy, Halley, Sam and Hanna Chickerella; two great-grandchildren: Diego and Helena Franco; brother Vincent James (Beryl) Chickerella of Worthington, Ohio. Sam is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends. Sam was a devoted family man. He loved, guided and supported them every day of his life. He had no greater pride than his family. Sam was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore and Vincenza Chickerella and siblings Philip (Elizabeth) Chickerella, Mary (Sam) Volpe, Joseph (Micki) Chickerella, Rose (Anthony) Calcara and Josephine (Joseph) Viola. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00pm. THURSDAY (TODAY) at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, Ohio 43065 (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am. FRIDAY, APRIL 1st, 2011 at ST. BRIGID OF KILDARE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017 with The Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to: The Faith Mission, 315 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or a charity of your choice. Send condolences for the family to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.