Obituary of Allan Walter Czarra

Allan Walter Czarra, 77, died peacefully with family present at his home in Reston, Virginia, on Monday, April 8, 2019. 

 

Allan was born on July 16, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Alvin John Czarra and Frances Marion Eckert. He was a graduate of Marquette University, with degrees and concentrations in Economics, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Philosophy. 

 

After serving two years in the Army as a cryptographer, Allan spent several years doing consulting work in the area of medical research before beginning his career at the National Institutes of Health. His intellectual acumen and his knowledge of the sound principles of medical research served him well during his 30 years at NIH, where he held a number of positions monitoring research programs, and in 2007 he retired as the deputy director for the Division of Extramural Activities for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 

 

Since his retirement, Allan enjoyed engaging in the pastimes and activities that he always loved, which included entertaining family and friends with his cooking, stories, and good wine. During the spring or fall, he and his wife, Linda, would travel extensively, taking in the art, cuisine, and culture wherever they went. During the summers, he loved having people join him as he engaged in one of his favorite activities, surf and pier fishing. Every winter, he’d don his Santa outfit bringing joy to both the young and the old. Throughout it all, he’d always have a book (or several) by his bedside.

 

He was such a fun person, so intelligent, and so giving to those in his life. 

 

He leaves his wife, Linda Czarra; his three stepchildren, Kara Farmer (husband Robert), Lisa Velesaris (husband Charles), Michael Frase; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his four siblings, Christine Peterson (husband Carl), Mary Giuntoli, Virginia Krah, Martin Czarra (wife Mary); nine nieces; and one nephew.

 

We were all blessed to have had Allan in our lives. A private celebration of his life to be announced.