Andrew Frank Szilvasi, 78, Sturgis, died Sunday, December 7, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A private family service will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Andy was born May 8, 1930, in Ellwood City, PA, to Frank and Elizabeth (Bodnar) Szilvasi. He attended school in Ellport, PA. Andy served in the Army and the Coast Guard. He received his honorable discharge on July 24, 1952.

Andy married Eleanor Rozanski on October 25, 1952, in Wampum, PA. They remained in Pennsylvania until he began a career with the Dept. of the Army until his retirement as Superintendant of the Black Hills National Cemetery in May of 1988.

Andy served as Mayor of Sturgis from 1989 to 1991. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and a member of Veterans of the Coast Guard. He was a life member of the American Legion, VFW, and DAV.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor, Sturgis; three daughters, Diane (Ronald) Cripps, Youngsville, LA, Cathy (Donny) Barker, Texarkana, TX, and Jeanne (Tim) Pawlowski, Sturgis; one son, Andrew T. (Shawn) Szilvasi, Pierre; nine grandchildren, Terri Brungart, Philip Cripps, Melissa Middleton, Brandon Barker, Stacy Ziegler, Tracy Barker, Maggie Pawlowski, Morgan Szilvasi, and Ethan Szilvasi; four great-grandchildren, Donovan, Callie, and Benjamin Middleton, and Ryan Brungart; one brother, George (Joan) Szilvasi, Midland, PA; two sisters, Mary Veres, Ellwood City, PA, and Sister Elizabeth Szilvasi, Akron, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret and Helen; and one great-grandson, Alexander Middleton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.