Allan Checkoway

Best Dad “evah” and business pioneer, Allan Checkoway, unexpectedly left this life on the wings of much love.  His legacy lives on in the hearts of the two most fortunate daughters, Jennifer and Jessica Checkoway, his beloved “little bro” Barry, and dear sister-in-law, Margie Checkoway, treasured nieces Amy and Laura Checkoway, loving partner Colleen Ryder, as well as many close family members and countless friends.  Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Dorothy (Steinberg) Checkoway, and his beloved late wife, Suzanne Suttenberg.

Allan was born in South Carolina and grew up in Newburyport, MA, where he was a skilled athlete, outstanding baseball player, and honor student at Newburyport H.S.  He then attended Northeastern University (where one particular architecture class served to inspire the design for his future summer home on Cape Cod). Allan went on to build a successful career in healthcare insurance and was Principal of Disability Services Group, a full-service employee benefits firm for over 35 years.  His knowledge and expertise served as inspiration to create Eldercare Publishing, as he continued to author numerous publications, providing guidance to those in need, specifically disabled employees filing long-term care disabilities claims.  Allan was a well known and highly respected member of this business community and considered to be an “expert” in his field.

Allan’s most recent professional enterprise was the creation of Elder Care Survival where he shifted his focus onto providing resources to elders, always sharing his personal touch.  Allan rose to the occasion and adapted throughout the Pandemic to assist elderly members of the Councils on Aging using Zoom video conferencing.  His most admirable work ethic and intense desire to help people never ceased.

For all the hard work and long hours Allan committed to his profession, there was nothing more important to him than his beloved and devoted daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. They will cherish the memories of their time together kayaking, hanging at the beach, dining at the best restaurants, attending Red Sox & Celtics games, & “rockin’ out to our favorite music cruisin’ down the highway and at so many live concerts.”

Allan lived a life we should all strive to emulate.  He was so thoughtful, always kind, MOST considerate, and had a great sense of humor.  He was a uniquely special, gentle soul that wore his heart on his sleeve.  He eloquently expressed his emotions not only through spoken word but also through his poetic prowess.  Never a special occasion arose that Allan didn’t honor with a heartfelt poem.

Allan was a proud man’s man, a guy’s guy, one of the “dudes”, and natural “Leader of the Wolf Pack.”  He loved his long-lasting friendships with his buddies who considered him a steadfast, loyal, reliable, and wise friend.  He was a natural giver of all and to all, as he took great pride in always being able to provide for his loved ones.

We’ll never think that our time together was long enough but we do feel so very fortunate to have recently virtually celebrated his 80 ^th birthday via Zoom. We were able to pay tribute to such an outstanding man and he knew how proud we were of him as our Father, how much his family appreciated him, and how very much loved he was.

In leiu of flowers, please consider supporting http://thejuniorjazzfoundation.org/

as music was such a big part of our Dad's life

Celebration of Life to be held in the warmer weather - details to follow.