Andrew T. Skarupa, 83, Columbia Gas Service Man

He was born September 10, 1919 in Dearborn, Michigan and had been a resident of Lorain since his childhood. He was a 1938 graduate of Clearview High School where he was a member of the varsity football and track teams.

He went on to serve in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant serving with Company B of the First Armored Division. He tour of duty found him fulfilling assignments in Algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia and Naples-Foggia. He participated in the invasion of Anzio and received the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters for injuries sustained in a battle near Palazzo, Italy. He was the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Service medal with two Bronze Stars, the American Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Skarupa was employed as a Class A service man for the Columbia Gas Company; he retired in 1981 following 38 years of service.

He was an avid parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church (Lorain) where he served as a councilman and was also a member of the parish's Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the American Slovak Club, the Polish Fisherman's Club, the United Polish Club, Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans, Amvets Post #47, and was an active supporter of the Lorain Catholic High School Athletic Boosters.

His hobbies include league bowling, golfing and fishing.

Survivors include daughters: Jeanne Vrbancic of Amherst, and Jeanette Skarupa of Lorain, sons: Kenneth of Pilesgrove, New Jersey and Ronald of Norwalk, 6 grandchildren and sisters: Margaret Berstling and Helen Virant both of Lorain.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Florence (nee Brosky), by his parents: John and Susan (nee Kuruc) Skarupa, by brothers: Sylvester, Joseph and John and by a sisters: Ann Homola.

Friends may call Friday, December 27, 2002 from 3-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain where members of the St. Stanislaus Holy Name Society will recite the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel and will be followed by funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 2702 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Kevin C. Shemuga, pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where military honors will be conducted by members and officers of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled Americans Veterans.

The family suggests memorials in his name to Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans, 500 East 25th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055.