Chuck Pocklington

Chuck Harold Pocklington of Winthrop Harbor, IL passed away Sunday evening, September 29, 2013. He was born March 24, 1961 and was 52 years old. Chuck was a life-long resident of Winthrop Harbor and graduated from Zion-Benton High School in 1979. Chuck had a great love for football, and played throughout high school and college. In 1978 he received the Ray Nitschke award for the defensive player of the year for the state of Illinois. He attended and played nose guard for the University of Wisconsin - Stout while majoring in Industrial Arts Education. He later left school and went to work for the newly opened Marriot Great America theme park in Gurnee. He worked there for over thirty years, and was the Supervisor of Maintenance for HVAC, Plumbing, and Food Equipment. He continued with his love for football by spending the past five years as coach for the St. Joseph Junior High football program. Chuck is survived by his wife, Tina Rae (Christensen) Pocklington, as well as his two sons, Sgt. Ian Pocklington, U.S. Army Combat Engineer assigned to the 21st Theatre Sustainment Command in Germany, and Ethan Pocklington who is currently a freshman at College of Lake County. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore & Lorraine (Betty) Pocklington as well as his two brothers, Ted and Donny Pocklington. A memorial service will be held at The Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church, 5725 Stearns School Road, on Saturday, October 5, 2013, at 3:00pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may also be sent to The Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church at the above address. Chuck was a joyous, happy, and gregarious man with a love for food. He had a kind and gentle heart as well as a hearty sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, and uncle. He was a good friend to many . . . we will miss him.