CHODELKA, Albin Jacob 'Al' - He had a big smile and an even bigger heart. He was a devoted family man and a friend to many. He loved life and those around him. He simply made the world a better place.
In his 85th year, Al Chodelka passed away peacefully at Brampton Civic Hospital on December 4, 2020.
Al cherished 54 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Mary (Karabinos). Loving father of Monica (Matthew) Nesbitt and Laurie (Neil) Freeman. He was adored as 'Dzedo' by Dylan, Jacob and Olivia.
'Big Al' was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and attended St. Mary Catholic School and then De La Salle College. He and Mary started a family on Grace Street before moving to Brampton where they called home for the past 46 years. He was a dedicated employee of Northern Telecom for over 35 years, finally retiring in 1997.
Al was proud of his Slovak heritage. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Parish of Mississauga and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Brampton. Al was also a dedicated member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in which he participated in many organized events resulting in lasting friendships both north and south of the border.
Throughout his life, Al had a great passion for sports. His love of football started at an early age where he played football for De La Salle College, then quickly recruited to the Toronto Argos farm team at the age of 18. Despite a career ending injury, his love of sports continued. He became a member of YMCA on College Street where he met lifelong friends and excelled at racquetball and handball.
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have lost their biggest fan. He treasured his trips to South Bend to cheer on the Fighting Irish and was always eager to chat about their success (or lack thereof). He enjoyed basement discussions about almost any sport, including wrestling, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf or whatever else was on TSN. There wasn’t a sports topic he didn’t have a point of view on or a Sports Illustrated article he couldn’t reference. But in respect he always gave others a chance to voice their opinion, and whether right or wrong, the discussion always ended in a good laugh or pat on the back because being together was more important than any stat or scorecard.
Beyond sports, Al had another passion and that was time with close friends and family. He always prioritized others vs. himself and always made people feel welcome and appreciated regardless of who you were or what you did. He looked forward to the many dinners, birthdays and holidays that brought friends and family together and where a rum and coke or a shot were never too far away.
Al was also a grateful man. He was thankful for his many neighbours who supported both him and Mary over the years. The selfless giving and kindness never went unnoticed, nor will be forgotten.
Al enjoyed and made the most of life. He was a proud man and had a tremendous sense of humor that easily lit up a room, regardless of the occasion. At this time, he would expect his friends and family to have a laugh and raise a glass in his memory. To 'Big Al'.
Go Irish.
A very special thank you to Dr. McCallion for the years of friendship, golf discussions and ongoing care you provided to Al. A further thank you to the nurses who cared for him in his last months, your compassion and kindness have meant so much.
Arrangements with Andrews funeral home, Brampton. A private Roman Catholic Mass will be held at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. Please contact immediate family for information regarding a celebration of Al’s life in 2021.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to his beloved parish Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish Building Fund (5255 Thornwood Dr., Mississauga, ON, L4Z 3J3) or Thyme to Thrive Foundation (www.theocf.org/funds/thyme-to-thrive-foundation).
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