Andrew J. Chochol, 83, Crane Operator

He was born February 13, 1921 in Lorain and had been a lifelong Lorain resident.

Mr. Chochol served with the US Army Air Corps during World War II as a staff sergeant with the 558th Bomb Squadron and 387th Bomb Group. He was a tail gunner and armorer aboard B-26 Marauder bombing planes and participated in over 47 missions in the Ardennes, central Europe, Normandy, northern France and the Rhineland. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon w/ 4 Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Chochol worked as a crane operator in the BOP Shop at US Steel in Lorain for 43 � years retiring in 1983.

He attended Ss. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Sheffield Township and was a life member of VFW Post #451 in Lorain, a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a member of the B-26 Marauder Historical Society. He enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Marie (nee Puskas), son, Kenneth A. Chochol of Waterford, Michigan, daughters, Sandra J. Arapp of Uniontown, Ohio and Sharon M. Nowicki of Lorain, 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and sisters, Ruth Mack of Amherst and Mary Simko of Avon.

He was preceded in death by his son Kevin Chochol, parents John and Susan (nee Mraz) Chochol, brother John Chochol and sisters Suzanna Chochol in infancy and Julia Bendik.

The family will receive friends, Thursday, December 9, 2004, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain where funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Edgar Anthony, pastor of Ss. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church will officiate.

Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township where VFW Post #451 will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ss. Peter & Paul Church, 1500 Lincoln Blvd., Lorain, Ohio 44055.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.