August 18, 1952 - February 3, 2023
Al Cerkan left this world abruptly on February 3rd during a cold Friday rush hour, neither expected, nor unfathomable as he traveled this life with complex conditions from birth. His formal name was used so often by the many medical providers that here he can be just Al.
Quick witted with multiple modes of humor from dry to juvenile, Al could bring a group to tears laughing. He named the family dog Elton (L10), recognizing his superiority over other canines (K9). Likewise his grasp of anatomy, biology and pharmacology gleaned from experience and study challenged medical professionals who came around to see his fresh thinking.
While remaining in Chicago, Al sought adventure. First, as a young teen serving as captain of the State-Lake Theatre ushers, then moving over to high fidelity at Allied Radio which afforded him the best threads at Lane Tech. Alongside studies at UIC and Columbia College he discovered detective work and eventually ran his own agency outsmarting fraudsters for some years, and built a team of “professional drinkers” for the days before bar technology. His last hours of military service eligibility drew him to a recruiting office, but an outstanding traffic ticket blocked that option. Al made a local call. Hours later, and a word from the Pentagon, he was called back in and signed the deal.
Al put his heart and trained eye into whatever he did: photography, graphics, printing, theater. His daughters’ Le Petite Ballet productions introduced him to backstage work, opening his eyes to theatrical organization, the detail work and camaraderie. He spent many good years with Savoyaires, St Sebastian Players and the new Subtext Theatre company. But all that was secondary to his genius in the kitchen. The anticipated Food Network style showdown with friend Jack Minton was not accomplished in this life.
Al is preceded in death by his father Bill (equally abruptly), mother LaVerne, Buscia and Little Buscia (Grand and Great grandmothers), his big sister Judy, niece Sammy and best friend Tim. His tetraplegia swiftly followed the loss of his beloved Aunt Betty (Muravchick Blaine). Together they bring to a close a long line of the neighborhood-based Chicago Polish families.
He is survived by his wife Pat (Ruch), daughters Ashley (Columbus, OH) and Heather (Des Plaines), beloved grandchildren Hayleigh and Micah, brother Fred, sister Linda (Dave Powell), cousins, nieces and nephews and almost the entirety of Pat’s family.
A celebration of Al Cerkan, Betty Baine and all the family will be held on Saturday, June 24th, at 2 PM at St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 2335 N. Orchard Street, Chicago. Remote viewing will be available starting at 2 PM CDT at spucc.org/streaming.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter or hug your family.
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