PICAYUNE —
92-years-young Bill Chorba is this week’s Super Senior for his dedication to his community and devotion to his wife of 72 years.
Chorba was recommended by fellow Knight of Columbus (KOC) member, Norman Weinstein, who wrote a compelling letter about what a motivated community servant Chorba is through the KOC and the fact that he still finds time to work out three times a week at a local fitness center.
Chorba helps at the KOC hall prepare for weekly bingo and clean up aftewards. He also helps in clean up after the hall has been rented.
“I have been a member of the Knights for 40 years and it means a lot to me to be part of this fraternal organization. I help with the tootsie roll fundraiser, Operation Smile and anywhere else that I can. I believe it has given me a better quality of life to be involved in doing good for the community.
“I also recycle and bring cans to the SPCA. Those people work hard and the animals need a fair chance in life.”
Chorba has lived in Picayune for eight years, but says, “I have been coming to Picayune since 1941. I married a Picayune beauty, Jessie Whitfield, and I am as in love with her today as the day we married.”
Chorba, as a young airman, first saw his wife walking down a street in Jackson. He knew immediately that she was the one. Six months later, in October of 1941, they were married. In fact they were married twice. Once with a Justice of the Peace and again in the Catholic Church.
He is a war veteran, who worked on the flightline for bomber maintenance. In 1942 was shipped to England and then on to North Africa. From there, he went to Sardinia for a total of 23 months.
The youngest of 12 children from Austrian immigrants, Chorba has three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
His wife is 87 and now suffers from ailments which make it hard for her to get around.
He says, “She is still as beautiful as ever. She has always been so talented. You know, she played the organ in the Catholic Church for 46 years. I take her Wal-Mart every Wednesday to get her out of the house and do some shopping. Our marriage is still a wonderful 50/50.”
When asked what motivates him to get out and go everyday, Chorba says, “My love for my wife and my commitment to my community through the Knights. I have to be strong for my wife now; she needs me and has taken the best care of me throughout the years. The Knights are my support group and it makes me feel good to know that we are helping so many people through our work.”
Lifestyles
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Knights of Columbus member Bill Chorba is serious about his commitment to community service and devotion to his loved ones. Jodi Marze
Knights of Columbus member: Bill Chorba
Picayune Item Super Seniors
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