CHUCK, Alexander S., age 72, passed away Nov. 19, 2008. Beloved husband of Georgina Chuck of Gilroy, for 46 years. Loving father of Mike Chuck and Sam (Liza) Chuck. Devoted grandfather of Mikie, Jack, Lily, Stevie and Abby. Dearest brother of Don (Maxine) Chuck, Angie Chuck Gill and Millie Chuck. Dear Uncle of Pete (Tracee) Gluhaich, Dan (Christina) Gluhaich, Mitch (Janet) Chuck, and Michele (Mike) Winn. Brother- in-law of Sophie Gluhaich and Lucille Deretich. Great-Uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was preceded in death by his parents Spasoje and Danica Chuck, nephew Ted Deretich and brothers-in-law Vido Deretich, Peter O. Gluhaich and Ken Gill.
Alex was born and raised in Cupertino to immigrant parents from Bosnia-Herzegonvina, Spasoje and Danica Chuck. He grew up on the family apricot orchard until marrying Georgina Deretich in 1962. Together they started their life in San Jose, where Alex continued as an orchard farmer until 1965 when they moved to Gilroy to start El Camino Crop supply with Alex’s brother Don. Alex and Georgina raised two boys, Mike and Sam, which were the center of their lives. He stayed in the fertilizer business until 1973, when he went back into farming. From 1973 to 1980, he continued as a farmer in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties raising vegetables. In 1981, he left the farming business as he and Georgina began a successful giftwares manufacturing company that they operated until its sale in 1998. Alex enjoyed a happy and rewarding retirement where he loved to bar-b-que for family and friends and share his famous garlic olives. He cherished being surrounded by his precious grandchildren, family and friends. Alex was an active member of Am Slav Men’s Club, a parishioner of St. Michael’s Serbian Orthodox Church in Saratoga and a lifetime member of the Gilroy Elk’s Lodge. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th St., Gilroy, CA. Funeral service will be Monday, Nov. 24, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home followed by burial at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to your favorite charity.
