Obituary: Andrew “Andy” G. Dziduch

Andrew “Andy” G. Dziduch, 93, died Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk.

Andy was born in Dunkirk to the late George and Julia Dziduch.

In 1943, at the young age of 17, Andy enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country in World War II aboard the LST 993. In 1950, Andy also served in the Korean War aboard the USS Duncan 874. In between the wars, he was enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He was a member of the Dunkirk Naval Militia Boxing Team. Andy stayed connected with many friends he served with by traveling all over the country with his wife to attend LST Navy reunions. Andy was an extremely proud veteran and was honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshall in the 2013 Memorial Day parade.

Before leaving for the Korean War, Andy met his sweetheart, Diane, and they became engaged and then were married on May 7, 1952. Andy had a love for carpentry, something that his father had taught him during his young years. He went on to establish his carpentry profession working as an apprentice for Bernett & Strauser, learning everything there was to know about the building trade.

In 1953, Andy and Diane formed Andrew Dziduch Construction Company, where he built and remodeled many homes and businesses in his community. Andy was an expert at his craft, teaching the carpentry trade to his three sons. In 1982, Andy and Diane expanded their business to include a retail lumberyard, forming the ADD Lumber Company. Andy and Diane came up with the name “ADD” by combining their initials. He leaves behind a family business legacy with three ADD Lumber locations. Andy continued to work into his 90’s. Five of his children as well as, his son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandsons and granddaughters all continue to operate the family business.

In addition to his strong work ethic and family values, Andy had unwavering faith. He was a devout Catholic and a member of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish for over 65 years. There he served as a eucharistic minister, on the parish council, and an advisor for St. Mary’s Cemetery. Andy believed deeply in family and helping others. Just like his wife Diane, Andy always saw the best in others. Andy loved reading the newspaper every day and could always tell you what was happening around the world. He was a humble man and although, one of few words, you knew he was always listening. He kept an open and curious mind about the world, even into his older years. Andy will be remembered for his many stories, quick wit and infinite wisdom.

Outside of his family, business and faith, Andy enjoyed horse racing and even owned harness race horses. He would often spend time with his family and friends at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs to watch his horses race. Andy’s other hobbies were completing jigsaw puzzles, watching football (Buffalo Bills) and baseball (Boston Red Sox), golf and wrestling.

Surviving are his seven children: Linda (Leonard) Rao of Syracuse, Frederick (Zoraida) Dziduch and Gerald (Cheryl) Dziduch, both of Dunkirk, Laura (Ricky) Bellando of Fredonia, Kenneth (Karen Gentner) Dziduch of Fairview Texas, Lisa (Rick) Crandall of Dunkirk and Louise (Christopher) Lanski of Fredonia. Grandchildren: Thomas Rao, Christina (Brett) Myles, Leonard (Brandi Doyle) Rao, Daniel (Staci) Dziduch, Shannon (Chris) Dante, Jillian and Janelle Bremer, Cory (Aleah) Dziduch, Kellie Dziduch, Zachary and Mackenzie Crandall and Lydia and Claire Lanski. Great-grandchildren: Josie and Jaxson Myles, Dominik and Andrew J. Dziduch, Nicholas Dante and Ellie and Ayden Dziduch. Also survived by cousin, Irene May; and many extended grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his wife, Diane (Gregory) Dziduch, of 63 years; parents; brother, Stanley Dziduch; and sisters: Victoria Mikula, Florence Szopinski, Bernice Dull and infant sister Doris Dziduch.

Following the guidelines and protocols administered by the governor of New York, relatives and friends may call on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 E Doughty St. Funeral Services will be Monday morning at 10 a.m., in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will be in the Assumption Mausoleum in St. Mary’s Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS), 336 Washington Ave., Dunkirk NY 14048 or Roswell Park Alliance Foundation P.O. Box 631, Buffalo NY 14240.

Source: Observer Today (The Nutting Company)