Andrew J. Chonko, 93, Dedicated Family Man

Andy, born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania on December 11, 1918, had been a resident of Lorain since 1947.

A dedicated family man from an early age, Andy Chonko interrupted his education at Mahanoy City High School to help support his family. In 1936 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he served for two years building our nation’s roads and highways. He finished his High School education after World War II.

In February of 1940 he enlisted in the United States Army. Before World War II, Andy filled duty assignments attached to 835th and 3198th (Company A) Signal Battalions. Following Pearl Harbor he was deployed to Africa, then onto China where he participated in the India-Burma-China Campaign.

For his service Andy received the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the American Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He left military service in May of 1945. Andy was a long-time member of Mullen-Murray Post # 451 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Andy was deeply touched by, but spoke little of the War. While deployed in China, Andy and his company saved the life of an orphaned girl who they found foraging in their garbage. They cared for and, as a company, chipped in for her support. After returning her to health, they paid for her care in a Chinese convent school where she grew up and survived the war.

In 1946 he married the love of his life, Mary (nee Banich) and shortly thereafter they moved to Ohio. He joined the National Tube Company and worked for National Tube and its successor, U.S. Steel Corporation, as an electrician for more than three decades.

He was an active parishioner of the former St. John Roman Catholic Church in Lorain where he was a member of the Holy Name Society; he served as an usher and was a member of the choir there. Andy also volunteered extensively during the parish carnival and fish fries. He was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union Branch # 228K and many social clubs in the area, including the American Slovak Club.

Andy and his wife, Mary, enjoyed dancing. They traveled with friends to dances throughout Ohio and in different states. Andy was a champion polka dancer, winning many amateur contests. He enjoyed singing barbershop music as a member of the Golden Crescent Chorus of Lorain County. Additional interests included crafts, needlepoint, a love of nature, and walking.

Andy was a quiet man with a wry sense of humor. He loved to laugh and tell a good joke. His smile was always captivating, and an invitation to have a good time.

Survivors include his daughters Andrea Chonko (Roger Kolins) residing in Troy, Michigan, Karen Rodriguez (Vince) of Lorain, and his son Joseph Chonko, Sr. also of Lorain. In addition, he leaves grandchildren Joseph, Jr., Donald, and Amanda, four great grandchildren, and sisters Anna Mae Quigley of Ponce Inlet, Florida, Dorothy Sabbio of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and Virginia “Jean” Domalesky of Philadelphia.

Andy was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Chonko who passed away earlier this year on April 22nd. He was also preceded in death by his parents Joseph A. and Elizabeth (nee Magasko), by brothers John in infancy, and Joseph, and by sisters Mary Yesinsky, Helen Moucheron, Margaret Kolibab, Elizabeth Lapinsky, and Josephine Brady.

Please join his family for the celebration of a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday August 10th in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, 2143 Homewood Dr. The Reverend John C. Retar, Pastor, will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Freedom Chapel at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon where joint military honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post # 451 and American Legion Post # 30 both of Lorain.

In lieu of flowers the family strongly encourages blood and monetary donations to the American Red Cross, or contributions to Mother Cabrini’s Cupboard in care of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church.

To share your memories and condolences with Andy’s family please visit www.gluvna.net.

Funeral arrangements by Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, Lorain.