ASHTABULA — Thomas George Andolsek, age 88, of Ashtabula, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Saybrook Landing.
Born Oct. 2, 1924, in Euclid, Ohio, he was one of four children born to the Late Edward and Marie Andolsek. When he was a child, his parents moved to Hartsgrove, Ohio, where he grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Rome High School in 1942, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943.
A proud Veteran, he served our country on the U.S.S. Mervine, a mine sweeper; as well as the U.S.S. Henry Wiley. Post war, Tom met the love of his life, Evelyn Jean Yates, whom he wed on May 28, 1949. While raising their two children, Tom was employed by the J.C. Penney Co. in Ashtabula; the A&P Grocery Store as produce manager, and finally by George Klein News, from where he retired in the early 1990’s.
Passion was a key ingredient to a life well lived for Tom, and he had many of them. He was passionate about family and showed it in many ways. He often used his master wood working skills to build many items including a wooden sailboat for his daughter’s classroom, a teacart for his wife, or a birdhouse or birdfeeder for one of his dear friends. He also enjoyed repairing or refinishing antique furniture for his grandson, Tom. Almost everyone in his life has a Tom Andolsek original.
He loved to be outdoors whether gardening, fishing, or golfing. He spent a lot of time on the golf course, particularly at Maple Ridge, where he often helped the family with odd jobs like sanding the greens. He loved a good deal, and passed his love of auctions on to his grandson. He was also the auctioneer for the Burchfield family reunion and knew how to raise top buck for next year’s committee. His keen eye also enabled him to create many lovely watercolor paintings and other works of art.
He and his wife, Jean were very active in many groups in the community, especially at Saybrook United Methodist Church and the Saybrook Grange. Tom loved to be around people and had many friends. For over 60 years, his wife and he played pinochle with their friends, the Mavko’s.
Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 64 years, Evelyn Jean Andolsek of Ashtabula; his daughter, Shelley Hitzel (Chuck) of Ashtabula; grandson, Tom Roberts (Ralph Williams) of Charlotte, N.C.; and five newly acquired grandchildren including Charlie, Traci and Max Hitzel of Ashtabula; his son, Tim Andolsek (Barbara) of Oxnard, Calif.; and granddaughters, Sherri (Rob) Dingman of New York and Kimberly Milletta of Glendale, Calif. He is also survived by a sister, Beverly (Bill) Spear of Chardon, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Joanne Andolsek of Ashtabula and Jeanette Yates of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ed Andolsek and Jim Andolsek.
Calling Hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, March 4th, at GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 1550 W. 19th St., Ashtabula.
Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Saybrook Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Saybrook United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
