Adolph Charles Walacavage

Adolph Charles Walacavage, 96, of Elberta, AL, formerly of East Peoria, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL.

He was born on January 21, 1926, as the youngest of nine children to Lithuanian immigrants George and Eva (Chernavage) Walacavage, in the coal mining town of Connerton, Pennsylvania.

Growing up in a coal mining family, it was often a priority for Adolph to assist his father at the mines to help meet quota versus attending school. Adolph forged his age on his birth certificate to allow him to enlist in the Army Air Force at the age of 16. He was a Waste Gunner and Radio Operator on B-17's during the last part of WWII in Europe. Adolph was then transferred to Asia Pacific as a ground-based communications operator in the Aleutian Islands. In 1950 he was moved into the Air Force Technical Training group, stationed at Scott Air Force Base outside St. Louis, MO. It was during his stay at Scott AFB where he met his future bride, Cecilia H. "Cele" Alex who was from an East St. Louis Lithuanian family.

Adolph and Cecilia married on January 24, 1953. Adolph remained in the Air Force through 1965, at which time he requested release from Active Duty at the rank of Major while stationed at the 182nd Support Squadron in Peoria, Illinois.  He continued his service through the Air Force Reserves until 1973. While stationed in Peoria, Adolph used the G.I. Bill to earn a B.S. from Bradley University.

Adolph and Cecilia settled down in East Peoria, Illinois, to raise their family. They had four children: Mary Jane, Cecilia, Joseph, and Teresa (Robbins). There are four grandchildren: Rebekah, Thomas, Kathryn, and Hannah and one great-grandchild. Adolph progressed through various teaching roles in the Peoria area: Limestone High School Shop Instructor; Caterpillar Industrial Machining Instructor; and Machining Instructor at Illinois Central College.

Adolph retired in the early 80's, and he and Cecilia moved to the Bon Secor region in south Alabama. In 2006 they moved to nearby Elberta. Over the 40 plus years he lived in the South Alabama region, Adolph became a recognized part of this southern community to the point where he would be respectfully called "Mr. Adolph". He was a member of about every military and social club in the area. He was a humble person, and generous to those in need. One never had to guess where they stood with Adolph, as he was very direct, with no middle ground. He was notorious for his constant tinkering in his shop and always having several projects ongoing. He will be missed.

Adolph was preceded in death by his first daughter Mary Jane in 1961 and his bride Cecilia in 2008 after 55 years of marriage.

Visitation was held on Monday, July 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, AL.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery in rural Metamora. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.