Stephen Chuckta Sr, age 93, of Shelton, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, July 31, 2022 following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Emily Klik Chuckta, married for 63 years. Steve was born in Shelton on December 2, 1928, son of the late Mary Tutko Chuckta and Conrad Chuckta. Stephen is survived by his three children; Stephen Chuckta Jr. and his wife Patty Ann; Susan Chuckta Smith and her husband Ron; and David Alan Chuckta and his wife Lori. Steve also has four cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Tiffany, and Natalie. Steve was the last surviving of his siblings, and was predeceased by brothers, John, Samuel, and Michael, and also his sister Helen.
Steve attended the Shelton School System, graduating from Shelton High School in 1948. He was Treasurer of his Senior Class and co-captain of the Football Team. Steve was offered a scholarship to attend the University of Connecticut, where he played college football for four years. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration as well as an ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. From 1952 to 1954, Steve served his country in the Korean War, and was released from active duty as a First Lieutenant.
Steve’s professional career included a tenure with Metropolitan Life Insurance from 1954 to 1963. Since 1963, he successfully owned and operated various businesses including the Trumbull Family Shoe Outlet and Chuck’s Corner Shopping Center, overseeing operations in his later years.
As a life-time resident in Shelton, Stephen was a very active member of the community, both professionally and politically. He was an active charter member of the Coram Gardens Civic Association. Between 1956 and 1984, Steve served three terms as president of the association, and four terms as chairman of the board of governors. From 1962 to 1979, Steve was a member of the Shelton Board of Education. Throughout his 17 years of service on the Board, Steve served as a member and chairman of the athletic committee, and the finance committee. He was chairman of the Board of Education from 1977 to 1979. Accomplishments during his tenure included additions to the Intermediate, Elizabeth Shelton, and Lafayette Schools and construction of Long Hill, Mohegan, Booth Hill and the new Shelton High School. Steve was also an active member of the Russian American Club, Shelton American Legion Post #16, and VFW Post #1236. Steve was a member of the Republican Town Committee since 1956, being selected as a John Davis Lodge Award recipient in 1992 for his dedicated service to the City of Shelton.
On the homefront, Steve and Emily shared a love for UConn’s women’s and men’s basketball games. Steve also loved to travel. He and Emily visited many places within the States and abroad, including the Bahamas, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Germany and Portugal. In more recent years, Steve enjoyed exploring all corners of Connecticut via car rides, thanks to his devoted caretaker Lori Pekar; whom we appreciate with heartfelt gratitude.
Family and friends may call on Monday, August 8, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road in Shelton. In addition, a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 9:00 AM, meeting directly at Three Saints Orthodox Church, 26 Howard Avenue, Ansonia. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Stephen and Emily R. Chuckta Scholar Athlete Fund, c/o Valley Community Foundation, 253‑A Elizabeth Street, Derby, Ct 06418. Online condolences can be offered at www.riverviewfh.com
