Allan Robert
Pecka
Allan Robert Pecka of Northfield, Illinois and Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on August 31, 2026 at the age of 64. He was born on March 10, 1962 in Evanston, Illinois.
Allan is survived by his wife Lisa, parents Richard and Terry Pecka, sons Kyle (Kim), Ryan (Amelia), Tyler (Kassie), and Troy Pecka, sisters Allison Hill and Amy (Randy) Bobula, nieces, nephews, dogs Hogan and Cooper, and his beloved grandkids Aubrey, Lillian, Evelyn, and Owen, and he was excited to have another grandchild on the way.
He started his career as a paramedic and then worked in the Skokie Police Department for over twenty years as an officer and then detective. “Coach Al”, as so many knew him, also coached youth hockey for many years in Skokie, Niles, Winnetka, and at New Trier.
Since retiring from coaching, Al spent much of his time in Wisconsin. He especially enjoyed the summertime, playing golf and throwing tennis balls for the dogs at the lake.
Al loved his family and had a special relationship with each of his sons.
He loved his dogs.
And he really loved his grandkids.
At family events, Al was hardly ever found without a grandkid or dog on his lap.
A gathering to honor Al will be held at a later date. Details will be announced when finalized.
Al would hate all of this attention but we hope that all those who knew him can find a time to sit outside with people you love and drink a beer in his honor.
I had the great privilege of knowing Al and developed a special bond that won’t ever be broken. Mike Dillon introduced me to him 20 years ago. At first I was intimidated by his physical presence and that he was a police officer which I respected and slightly feared. But I got to know the man inside. We were both born in 1962 but I told him that I was much younger having a December birthday. He smiled like he knew I was full of something. We connected somehow and he chose me to be his golf partner. I always felt at ease with him. He made me feel comfortable. Hockey player, police officer, family man how could you not. Thank you Al for being my friend. I miss you dearly and I will never forget you.
I only knew Al for the past few years at evergreen. Immediately you felt that he was someone you had known forever. We talked about his recent home renovation and he always was laughing and smiling.
His passing was a great shock to everyone and It will take time for us to make sense of it. Please know that he touched so many lives and we will miss him.
The Randle Family has fond memories of
Coach Al that include leading a Mite 3 team to the State Finals. We can still picture him pulling up to Winnetka Ice Arena on his Harley for team practices. We are so sorry to hear this news and send our condolences.
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Al. He always had a love of working with the younger kids teaching them the fine art of the game. We shared the ice many mornings. He was loved by all.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts to Lisa and family, his many friends, he will be missed!
Wow!! Sad to hear. Al was a classmate in high school and was a roommate at WMU. Harrison Hall was his place!!!! Great times!!! Rest in peace brother!!!
Horrible news. Al and I had a great time playing hockey together for Winnetka and New Trier West. Plus, summer fast pitch Softball. Great guy. RIP.
Allan was a great athlete so picking up golf didn’t take long, but I got him started. I even gave him an old set of clubs I had. We also joke about how I got him on the American Legion team our last summer. He had 2 no hitters and I had one and went he found out I played pro ball, he said I was better than you, I said you were in high school. I joked I was a late bloomer, he said no you must have taken drugs because I was better than you. This is still shocking and having a hard time accepting it!
This is just awful news. We went to high school together and had a couple of classes together. Super funny and one of the nicest guys you would want to meet. We reconnected after he stopped me for a speeding ticket 😂. He walked up to my car and the first words out of my mouth were Allan?….We started chatting and getting caught up with each other. Thirty minutes later he needed to go. Needless to say I didn’t get a ticket! We would touch base every now and again after that. So sad for his family.
Saddened to hear this news. I remember Al as a tough competitor, yet also as a gentle soul.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May the Lord bless and comfort you today and always.
Al was a great football and hockey player at New Trier West. When I setup charity hockey games, he was always the first to sign up to play.. A great human, who played hockey every Sunday morning when he was in Northfield.
Al, was a good friend of mine in High School, and really cared about me. We kept in touch at times throughout the years. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, He was one of the ‘good ones’.
Rest easy in arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Many great memories and good times with Al back in the day of our 12″ fast pitch softball team and accomplishing the “3-Peat” of being champions of our Winnetka league. Al was out pitcher and quiet leader who led us to those esteemed “beer league” titles. Our team was full of characters and the best times were the post- game celebrations and camaraderie at Seul’s. Al hosted our team plenty of times at his house in Northfield and he once had me try a “sort of hot pepper” from a bush in his backyard. I almost had to call the fire department. I can still remember Al’s grin and laughs. He served and protected us in his police days, he was a big time family guy and a good soul. Rest in peace, Al. Thanks for the fun times. God Bless.
Dear Lisa, Kyle, Ryan, Tyler and Troy,
Our family wants to express their sadness and compassion during this time of sorrow with the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. We’ll never forget your father and coach entering the rinks with his flowing hair and beard, riding his cycle down Willow Road, walking and walking the dogs with Lisa and the grandchildren. We’ll always remember how Al lived his life with zest, enthusiasm, and compassion for those he loved and touched. A soul we can all admire. Rest in peace.
Warmly,
The Shipko Family- Jeff, Mary Ellen, Sam, Matt, and Alex
Well done good and faithful servant
I have nice memories of Al at hockey games with children on his lap. He has a wonderful wife and sons. Bless all of you!
Buffie Bolger and Jim O’Connell