On September 23, 2018, Al Cholewsky (“ Big Al”, “ Al C”), husband of Dorothy “Allen” Badger (Cholewsky), passed away peacefully at home from complications of lupus and pancreatic cancer.
Born in Charleston, SC, on January 30, 1953 to Marguerite Caroline Bolchoz and Leon Nelson Cholewsky, Al grew up on James Island, fishing and crabbing in his beloved Lowcountry marshes and waters. Al attended James Island schools and Nativity Catholic School and graduated high school in Virginia Beach, Va.
Al had many jobs over the years, working for Henry J. Lee, Bay Beverage, Cullum Mechanical, James A Merritt and the Charleston Naval Shipyard before starting his own residential contracting business, Coastal Enterprises, in 1990. He built and renovated homes all over the Charleston area for 20 years and spent 10 months building a beautiful mountain house in Maggie Valley, NC in 2005, which was his pride and joy.
Al was diagnosed with systemic Lupus in 2007, which forced him into an early retirement, but while his health was still relatively good he enjoyed traveling (especially cruises with family and friends), visiting his mountain house (“Heidi’s Heaven"), and playing golf as often as possible. He played at Muni (where he was a member of the “Wild Bunch”) and later at Shadowmoss with a great group of guys, including his dear friend, George Parker.
Al was predeceased by his mother, father, one sister and one brother. He is survived by his wife, local attorney Dorothy Allen Badger and his beloved daughter, Alanna Grace Badger Cholewsky, who he referred to as “ The best thing that ever happened to me.” Al is also survived by his older sisters: Frances Elliott (Lynn, deceased) of Milton, FL and Carolyn Bebout (Jim) of Norfolk, VA, as well as his baby sister, Maria Melton (Eddie) of Charleston, SC and his sister-in-law, Coles Badger Slifer (Jeff), of Chapin, SC. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, plus his special “Therapy” dog, Bailey (AKA- “PeeWee”).
Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice (Shelly and Keisha) and We Care Home Care (Nell, Donna, Gardenia and Paulina) for their assistance.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 or Pet Helpers at 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, would be greatly appreciated.
The family will receive friends and guests on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island. Burial will be a private graveside service.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island , 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.