Joseph William Checkan

Joseph William Checkan, age 53, passed away unexpectedly May 11, 2022 in Ooltewah, TN.

 Born on September 28, 1968 in Butler, Pennsylvania; Joe was the youngest son of the late Donald Charles and Barbara Joyce (Selle) Checkan.

 Joe grew up in the small town of Evans City and graduated from Seneca Valley High School where he excelled in football and track. He went on to join the United States Coast Guard, served two tours of duty and earned an honorable discharge. Later, Joe earned his Master’s license and was a tow boat captain on the inland waterways. In 2018, Joe founded American Electric in Chattanooga, TN.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Charles Checkan and Hazel Moyer; maternal grandparents, Earl and Betty Selle.

 Joe is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Darlene (Krajnak) Checkan; son, Preston A. Checkan and daughter, Nadia N. Checkan; brothers, Donald (Bonnie) Checkan, Richard (Bonnie) Checkan, Jeffrey (Carey) Checkan; brother-in-law, David (Tina) Krajnak; nieces and nephews, Shane, Corey, Colin, Kaitlyn, Nick, Wyatt, Tyler, Conner, Marissa, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends he considered family. Joe and Darlene are avid dog lovers and he leaves behind his beloved Stanley, Kota, Lilly, Blaze, Georgia, and Geno.

 In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at Truist Bank in the name of his wife Darlene Checkan.

 A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, May 22 at the Zelienople Community Park shelter # 4 at 1PM.  All friends and family are welcome to attend. A separate celebration of life will be held at his home in Ooltewah, Tennessee on Saturday, May 28 at 2 PM. Joe always said if anything ever happened to him he didn’t want a funeral just a big party so let’s send him off with the biggest one ever.

 Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, E. Brainerd Chapel.