Obituary of Andrew Michael Papchipka

Andrew Michael Pachipka (Andy) Andy Pachipka passed away peacefully in his home, Friday, January 22, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Andy was born on November 24th, 1922 in Clarence, Pa. He moved to the Akron area where he would reside in the Firestone Park area. Andy married Katy (Petras) on August 24th, 1946. They had 3 children, Mike, Susan and Paula. Andy was a family man. His love of people, life and hard work could be seen by everyone who knew him. Although he endured poor health the last 15 years, he never complained. If you asked how he was he would always say "If I was any better, I couldn't stand it". Andy served his country in the US Navy aboard the "Horace William" and the "USS Indus" from 1942 till the time he was discharged in 1945. He worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a welder/mechanic for the next 40 years, until he retired in 1984. Every October for 20 years, Andy took his 2 weeks' vacation to hunt big game in Montana with different "buddies", Bill Kreiger, Steve Petrasek, Evan Lewis, his son Mike, and the Keblesh's. There wasn't a year when Andy didn't get his 2 deer, elk and antelope. He said those were the best of times. Andy also worked for the Murphy Lumber Company. He brought home every piece of scrap lumber his arms could hold. His garage, his "2nd home" shows just that. At one point in his life he built something for everyone. Whether it was a book shelf, a table, a magazine rack, a garage, a bird house or a dog house, Andy was always busy with his hands. Andy is survived by his wife Katy of 63 years, his son and daughter-in-law: Mike and Barb, daughter; Susan, daughter; Paula Dulabahn and son-in-law Steve: Grandchildren: Erin Yerkey (Chuck), Justin Dulabahn (Summer), Scott Church (Aimee), Tricia Wozniak (Jim), Kelly Church (Barbara), Rick Meek, and Kim Woodbury (Jim): Great grandchildren: Mathew, Michael and Christopher Woodbury, Matthew and Jessica Yerkey, Rachel and Lauren Wozniak, Niko Church, many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emro & Mary (Slovak); brothers; Mero, Frankie, John, Johnnie, and Joey; sisters; Susie Palinkas, Stella Watkins, Margie Kuder, "Tootie" Hunsicker, Mary Harvey, Anna Duda, and Helen Makidon. Funeral services will be held 10:30 Am at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. and 11: Am at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday 2 to 6 Pm at the funeral home where a Rosary will be recited at 6:00Pm. Kucko-Anthony-Kertez Funeral Home 1990 S. Main St. 330-724-1281