Roland W. Chickeral

Roland was the son of May Cinecola and Louis (Ceccerilli) Chickeral. Born in Monroe, he was a 1945 graduate of Monroe High School and attended Eastern Michigan University before joining the United States Marine Corp in 1946. "Chic" was stationed in Cuba and achieved the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. In 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Copi, and worked for ten years at Consolidated Paper Company. Chic then began his 40 year career with Ford Motor Company; working as a journeyman tinsmith for 20 years and was continuously elected Financial Secretary for the UAW Local 723 until his retirement in 1999. An avid athlete in high school, Chic continued his sports involvement, playing football for the Monroe Athletic Club and was named Most Valuable Player in 1950. In 1956 he won the Greater Toledo Weight Lifting Championship and the Ohio-West Virginia Weightlifting Championship in 1957. From 1951 to 1971, he coached CYO baseball and football at St. Joseph and St. Mary schools in Monroe. He served on several community boards and councils to include the Monroe Automotive Federal Credit Union and the United Way Board of Directors. All of his life, he considered himself a Physical Culturist with the goal of achieving a balance in his physical, mental and spiritual self and was involved in archery and karate competitions winning dozens of trophies. He was a black belt in Tai Kwon Do and received an honorary black belt in Tun Su Do in 2009. Always an outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting with a Labrador Retriever by his side. In his retirement, Chic was a holiday volunteer driver for L.I.F.E., delivering meals to the homebound, served the American Red Cross as a financial contributor and blood drive volunteer and was an active member of the Circolo Italian Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Colombus, a lifetime member of the Monroe First Downers and a loyal Democrat. He fully enjoyed his life until the last day, showering his attention and love for his extensive family and friends, leaving us with wonderful stories and awesome laughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Myra and his wife of 60 years, Helen. Chic is survived by his wife Christine and his six children: Susan (David) Jarzynka of Gig Harbor, WA, Patricia Fountain, Diane Chickeral (Randy Goins) William (Margie) Chickeral all of Monroe, Nancy (Mario) Defelice of Maybee and Larry (Rhonda) Chickeral of Flat Rock; twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He is also survived by his step daughter Jeanette (Ralph) Sanchez and her two daughters of Monroe, as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Contributions in his honor may be made to the local Chapter of the American Red Cross, Monroe County as they always kept his in their hearts.