John Robert Chabala

John Robert Chabala (Bob), 89 of Prosper, Texas, formerly of Hopewell Township, PA, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022. A son of Michael and Helen Chabala, John was predeceased by his parents, sisters Mary Ann Dobias (Charles), Jean H. Zaiden, and brother Michael Chabala, Jr. (Gladys).

He served for two years in the US Army 5th Infantry Regiment in Berlin, Germany. Upon returning from the service, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

John taught English and History for 38 years at Aliquippa Middle School, Aliquippa, PA, his alma mater, where he took pride in being a classroom teacher. John was a strong advocate for teachers’ rights, having served several terms as President of the Aliquippa Education Association, where he participated in negotiations for the local teachers’ contracts. He also was an active member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Although he moved to Texas to be closer to his family, he always kept abreast of his cherished Aliquippa Indians and local Pittsburgh sports’ teams.

Surviving are John’s wife of 65 years, Peggy Duker Chabala and daughter, Marilyn Denise Bonaparte (John) all of Prosper, Texas and his beloved grandchildren, Brooke Lauren Pingenot (Josh), Frisco, Texas, Brandon Mitchell Bonaparte, Springfield, Missouri, and Matthew Jordan Bonaparte, Prosper, Texas. John is also survived by his brother-in-law Monsignor Russell A. Duker and his sister-in-law Janet S. Duker, both of Pittsburgh, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. John will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church in Irving, Texas with the Reverend Father Elias Rafaj officiating. Interment will take place at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Donations may be made in John’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or K9s for Warriors. Private arrangements are being handled by Stonebriar Funeral Home, Frisco, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Chabala family.