By Alice Huth-Derrah
The Family Seton, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s parish newsletter, is published four times a year requiring the work of a number of volunteer writers. Some members, like Lou Allocco, also contribute their time and talents in the editing arena to ensure all articles are presented clearly, concisely, and sound their very best. Lou’s efforts help make the newsletter the engaging, successful publication it is!
Born in Joliet, Illinois, Lou was brought up in the nearby Chicago suburb of Lockport. He was “raised with traditional Catholic values” and grew up in a “loving, close-knit family of Italian, Polish, and Czech ancestry,” and was the eldest of five siblings, with three younger brothers and a sister. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and after graduation from high school, enrolled at the University of Illinois in Champaign and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to earn his master’s degree in the same field from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. The motivation for pursuing his degrees was “a fascination with color television, which wasn’t very common…when I was growing up.” For most of his career Lou worked in “the aviation industry” and still works part-time as a software engineer “at a company which focuses on products intended to make flying safer.”
Lou hesitates when asked to describe just one instance or person that has provided inspiration in his life. He is one of those singular people who is able to recognize and take inspiration from many people and experiences. He says his father “worked very hard to support us and he had a great work ethic.” Of the Sisters at St. Joseph’s, Lou credits them with providing “a lifelong foundation for my faith,” and instilling in him a “love for math.” He credits his wife of 40 years, Herma, for sparking an interest in him to become more involved in Church activities. Shortly after they were married, Herma decided to convert to Catholicism and Lou wanted to be supportive in a meaningful way so he attended the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) classes with her. He describes their experience during this time as “so rewarding and gratifying that we wanted to continue…as members of the RCIA team…and we met many wonderful people.” Very evident is Lou’s absolute conviction and steadfastness in his faith saying “My faith has helped me throughout my life, whether facing career decisions, family crises, or other life events.” Herma’s two sons from a previous marriage, Randy and Steven, have blessed them with four granddaughters and one grandson ranging in age from 36 to 23.
Having grown up in Chicago, Lou became an avid sports fan early on. He had the opportunity to attend games at Wrigley Field and was lucky enough to see Dick Allen play, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Having lived longer in Arizona now than Illinois, Lou is a solid Diamondbacks fan and smiles and says he gets a “bit of heat” from his family for it. He is an enthusiastic reader, as were his parents, and enjoys many genres to include “conversion stories,” mysteries, and biographies. After college Lou became interested in martial arts taking “private lessons and working as an assistant instructor” along the way and he continues to participate in the arts today. Possessing a splendid radio host voice Lou also serves as a Lector at the 11:00 Mass. The quintessential intellectual, Lou is the college professor you wish you’d had correcting your work. His editing suggestions are provided with positivity and encouragement and always seem to add just the right nuance to make articles a bit more appealing. Lou’s grace and kindness have made it a pleasure working with him over the years, and a privilege to know.
