Obituary of Andrew Washington

Andrew "Dada" Washington of 609 East Spring Street, passed away on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 at the Olean General Hospital surrounded by he loving wife and family following a long illness. Andrew was born on Oct. 12, 1934 in Olean and was a son of Andrew and Anna Benca Washington, Sr. On Sept. 3, 1961 at St. Mary of the Angels Church, he married his wife of 56 years, Ruth E. Glover, who survives. Andrew was a 1952 graduate of Olean High School. He worked for Stroehmann's Bakery in Olean before serving in the US Army from Aug. 21, 1957 to Aug. 20, 1959. Andrew then worked in construction and at AVX before going back to work at Stroehmann's Bakery, until his retirement in the mid 1990's, after 36 years. He was a member of the St. Mary of the Angels Parish. Andrew was a lifetime member of the St. Steven's Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling in a league. Andrew was an avid follower of the St. Bonaventure "Bonnies" basketball. He truly loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Along with his loving wife, Andrew is survived by; 2 daughters, Paula J. (Bob) Ketchner and Jill E. (Kevin) Cygan both of Olean; 4 grandchildren, Matthew Ketchner, Aaron Ketchner, Brynn Cygan, and Brielle Cygan; 5 siblings, Rose Sakala of Vacaville, CA, Ann (Greg) Hahn of Amherst, Theresa Kuhstoss of Tipton, TN, Veronica Galloway of Newbern, NC, and Margie Travis of Olean and many nieces and nephews. Andrew was predeceased by; 4 siblings, George and John Washington, Helen Gattuso and Mary Pyrkos. Friends will be received today, Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State Street, Olean. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017 beginning with a prayer service in the funeral home at 9:30 followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Church. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany with full Military Honor's accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels at 202 S. Union Street, Olean, NY 14760 or to a Lou Gehrig's Foundation, ALS, for research. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.