Andrew J. (Andy) Chechak, 51, of Meadville, died Monday, May 5, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center following a sudden illness.

He was born in Kittanning July 19, 1956, a son of the late Michael G. and Olga Gernot Chechak. He married Catherine (Dolly) Snyder Sept. 19, 1992.

A 1975 graduate of Conneaut Lake High School, he worked in the maintenance department at Conneaut Lake Park and subsequently as a grinder specialist for 26 years at McCrosky Tool Co., Meadville.

Andy was a member of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Roman Catholic Church, Conneaut Lake.

He was a member of White Oak Shooting Club, Greenville, and the SONS (Save Our Native Species) of Lake Erie Fishing Club. He was an avid participant in the World War II roundtable at the Meadville Community Center, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, online video games, photography, time spent at camp in Sheffield and especially loved connecting with people and keeping people together.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Dolly, of 15 years, include a sister, Dolores A. Atha and her husband, Roy, of Guys Mills; a brother, Michael J. Chechak and his wife, Patricia, of Meadville; his mother-in-law, Catherine M. Snyder of Meadville; nieces, nephews, many cousins with whom he was very close; and many online gaming friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Albert Snyder.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake, with a Scripture prayer service at 1:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 155 S. Ninth St., Conneaut Lake, with Father Steve Anderson as celebrant.

Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of the Americas Cemetery.