Obituary of Andrew A. Katko

Andrew A. Katko, 86, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully after a long illness. Andy was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on September 2, 1932, the son of Andrew and Connie (Kiever) Katko.

He came to Syracuse in 1950 to attend Le Moyne College, and soon met the remarkable love of his life, Mary Lou O’Connor. Very quickly, he was scooped up into the affections of her large, fun loving Irish family, as Andy and Mary Lou embarked on their 63 year marital journey, which produced seven children, 18 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Early on he served in the Army, and over the course of his professional life, was an industrial salesman.

Andy was in his element when he was hunting and fishing, truly loving the outdoors. The enthusiasm was in his blood, and along with a devotion to the New York Giants and New York Rangers, passed down this passion to his sons and grandsons. 

Most of all, Andy was a people person, who had a special appreciation for children. Over the last year, during his waning days, he lit up when his great-grandchildren would visit their “Pop Pop,” thoroughly enjoying having them around him. The legacy of Andy’s kind spirit, ardor for sports, and zest for life will live on through them.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou, and his granddaughter, Holly Katko.  Andy is survived by his seven children:  Connie (John) Heagerty, Margaret (Rick) Shirtz, Donna (Chuck) Valerio, Andrew (Suzanne) Katko, John (Robin) Katko, Marylou (Brian) Leary and Cindy (David) Hoyne; seventeen grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren; his brother John (Pat) Katko, and numerous other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 28^th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Fairmount. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to express gratitude to the 7^th floor staff of Loretto’s Cunningham building for the wonderful care they gave Dad.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13204 or to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, 1333 South Mayflower Avenue, Ste. 400, Monrovia, CA 91016.