Obituary of Andrew Stich

Andrew Stich, age 84, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at his home in Akron. Andy was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was the son of John & Elizabeth Stich. He moved to Akron at the age of six years and has been an Akron resident ever since. Andy graduated from East High School and attained the rank of Sgt. in the Army / Air Force in World War II. He was a Flight Engineer with the Air Force having worked on President Roosevelt's plane and could disassemble and reassemble planes in the dark under cover. Pan American Airlines wanted Sgt. Stich to join its team after the war, but Andy was ready to pursue new ventures in the civilian segment back home. Andy was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church. He retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company after 46 years, 4 months and 8 days. Andrew was a real estate agent for Cook Realty and later Meadows Realty for over 40 years and was one of the founding members of the Goodyear Boating & Yachting Association, President for 30 years of the Goodyear UFO Society and an airplane enthusiast. Andy loved his family and lived life to the fullest. Always having a smile and kind word. Dad was loved by everyone he ever encountered and was the ultimate optimist. Andy was a fun-loving prankster and will be missed by all. He was a loving husband and the best Daddy anyone could ever wish for. Andy taught his children a valuable lesson - that there is always a solution to every problem, which made us strong. Preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth, Sisters Anna and Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Elizabeth ("Libby") Stich; his daughter and son-in-law Kenneth & Melanie Wasson of Tallmadge OH; son and daughter-in-law Michael & Bonnie Stich of Malvern, OH; Grandchildren: Mary & Donna Wasson of Tallmadge, OH; Emily & Brian Stephens of Cincinnati, OH; Michael & Diana Stich of Massillon, OH; Great-Grand Children: Brandon, Alaina & Katie Stephens of Cincinnati, OH; Sisters: Helen Lelenko and Mary Clark and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be from 4-7 Thursday, August 16th at Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, Inc. 95 West Waterloo Road, Akron OH 44319 and at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 17th up until the funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Robert F. Stash, Pastor, officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery where the Firestone VFW will conduct military honors. The family wishes to thank Jennie Laconi, a life-long friend, our numerous good neighbors and friends, Bill & Crissy Wilcox for being there at the end, and Lori & Bill of Mobile Meals for all the kind gestures and support to our family. Donations can be made to the Mobile Meals and the American Diabetes Association.