Andrew "Andy" Tomczyk 1920-2015

Andrew “Andy” Tomczyk died peacefully in Frank Tejeda Veteran’s Home on November 6, 2015 in Floresville Texas at the age of 94.

Andy is survived by children Andrea Miller, Bayville New Jersey, Granddaughter Jessie Honan and her husband James Honan of New Jersey, daughter Michele Cain and her husband, Albert J Cain, of San Antonio, Texas, and Grandson Albert B Cain, with wife Carla Cain of Canyon Lake Texas. Sister Stasia Oliver of Vestal New York and Louis “Butch” Tomchick of Appalachian New York. Preceded in death by Father and Mother Joseph and Mary Tomczyk, Wife Bernice Johnson-Tomczyk, Brothers John, George and Sisters Rose Vitalec, Josephine (Josie) Mika.

Andy was born on November 9, 1920 in Mayfield Pennsylvania to Mary and Joseph Tomczyk. He married Bernice Johnson after meeting her at his cousins wedding and was married 49 happy years. They moved to New Jersey where Andy worked for GATX for 32 years until he retired.  After retirement Andy and Bernice then moved to Texas to be close to his daughter and new grandson Albert.

Andy was a WWII veteran of the Navy and was on the destroyer USS De Haven DD-727 where he served as a gunner's mate (GMG3). He was in Tokyo Bay when they signed the treaty to end WWII watching the launch coming to the carrier with the dignitaries.

Andy was a dedicated father, grandfather and friend to all he met.  He would think nothing about helping anyone, and would jump at the chance. Andy loved fishing, hunting, making Polish sausage and was good at building things. He was a generous individual who loved family and friends and was passionate about everything dear to him. He was an active member of the VFW post 8800 in Startsville and dedicated in his church St. Thomas The Apostle and often volunteered as a usher and grounds maintenance worker. He also was active in beautifying Cranes Mill Cemetery with his friend Kenny Ellis.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for December 4, 2015 at St Thomas Apostle Catholic church at the foot of Canyon Lake Dam at 10am at 180 St Thomas Drive, Canyon Lake, Texas with interment to follow at Cranes Mill Cemetery on 2673 2 miles north of Startsville Texas with military honors, and a reception to follow at VFW Post 8800 7755 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Andy’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association, or American Heart Association and the Wounded Warriors in his name. Condolences can be sent to http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx. The family would like to thank the Frank Tejeda Veterans Home in Floresville Texas for their care and dedication in providing care for Andy in his last days.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”  Jessie, Jimmy and Andrea