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Andrew Pomakoy Obituary
CHAMPAIGN – Andrew Pomakoy, 69, of Champaign passed away at 5:40 a.m. Wednesday (May 21, 2008) at his home. He was born January 20, 1939, in Albany, New York, to William and Margaret Reinisch Pomakoy.
Memories can be shared with family and friends on Friday, May 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Westminster Hall at the First Presbyterian Church, Champaign, IL. The memorial service will begin in the main sanctuary at 4:30. Interment will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, IL.
Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully requesting donations to Larkin's Place c/o Community Foundation of East Central IL, 404 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820. Larkin's Place is to be a playground designed for all children, but specifically for children with special needs. See www.larkinsplace.com.
As a freshman in high school, Andy got into the shoe business, working part time at Mr. Charles Shoe Salon in Albany, New York. After graduation from Vincentian Institute in 1957, he spent four years in the Air Force, stationed in Germany. Upon his return to Albany, he worked for Thom McAn.
After completing a management-training program with Wohl Shoe Co., of St. Louis MO., he managed a leased department in an Albany store and later at one in Stamford, Conn. In 1965, he became manager of the Wohl "shoe salon at the W. Lewis & Co. department store in downtown Champaign. It was there he met his wife, Helen, who was the advertising manager. When W. Lewis & Co. closed, he became manager of the Youthfit Shoe store at Prospect & Kirby.
In 1983, he opened Andy's Shoes on Kirby Avenue in Champaign Every day, he looked forward to walking to work, where he enjoyed sharing the joys and chatter of the children as they shared their stories, purchased and grew up in "his shoes. He sold the store in June of 2004 and retired to enjoy gardening, long walks and visits with his grandchildren. He was a devoted volunteer at Family Service, delivering Meals on Wheels and served as a Care Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign.
Andy is survived by his wife, Helen Suddes Pomakoy; daughter, Sara Louise; her husband, Leslie; and grandsons, Charles Suddes and Andrew Jonathan Poole of McLean, Virginia; by six brothers, William, Robert, Francis, James, Joseph and Gerald Pomakoy; and six sisters, Marge Hasselbring, Jean Glasser, Joan and Judy Pomakoy, Mary Ann Weidman, Barbara Mahar; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very much.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Pomakoy
Bill Pomakoy
June 4, 2008
When I reflect back on my early years right up to now, I've always thought of my Uncle Andy as one of the kindest people I have ever known.
When I think of the top 5 people in my life, Uncle Andy is in that group. That's how special he was to me.
My wife, Phyllis, and I were able to visit with Andy and Helen just two weeks before he passed away. We were having dinner at The Ribeye (his favorite restaurant) and I was near him at the salad bar when a table full of people who knew him from his shoe store days got his attention and said "How are you doing?" They didn't know he was sick. I will never forget his answer. "Terrific" he said. They had NO IDEA how sick he was, but that didn't matter to him. I learned a lesson that day - one of many that I learned from this incredible man in my lifetime. Now when I have an ache or pain I won't moan about it - I'll just say "I'm terrific" when someone asks. And I will think of Uncle Andy each time.
Bill and Phyllis Pomakoy
Jennifer Wagner
June 3, 2008
Words cannot alone express how sorry I am to hear this news. I have so many memories of the many trips to the shoe store with my mom, sister, and brother. Then I got the great opportunity to have my children share in the same memories. There was no other place in town that I would have taken my kids for their shoes. It was not just a trip to the shoe store it was a trip to visit a friend. Andy was a tremendous gift to so very many people. You have my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of your father, husband, brother, and our friend.
Janet & Bob Weasel
June 3, 2008
To Andy's Family:
Our deepest sympathy to your family for your great loss. Andy was the best!!! When we walked into Andy's store, we could count on a warm greeting, friendly smile, and patient consideration of the children that he served. We thought of Andy first when our children and grandchildren needed fitted for shoes. He will be missed tremendously! Our loss is heaven's gain.
Blessings to all of you.
Bob and Janet Weasel, Darin, Stacy, Marci, and grandchildren Camryn and Ethan McKee and Addisyn Swope
Brenda Williams-Cannon
May 31, 2008
To Andy's Family,
My sincere and deepest condolences to your family. Andy fitted my son's shoes and we enjoyed going to his store on Prospect Ave. Fitting shoes for an energetic toddler was "cardio exercise", but Andy was the most patient, calm, and caring person to handle him. Andy was the best!
Cathy Paceley
May 30, 2008
I took my 4 children to Andy's store on south Mattis back in the 70's and now my grandchildren went there. Andy will be missed a lot for his love of children and patience. He was the best person to visit and listen to children of all ages.
Paul Hoffmann
May 29, 2008
Our deepest condolences. Andy was a wonderful person and his family is a true reflection of that. All of our best.
The Hoffmanns
Christine (Washburn) Norrick & family
May 29, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to the family. It was always a pleasure to visit the shoe store and watch him work his magic with children, fitting them in shoes while they enjoyed playing with the toys! He will be missed.
dave, angie, henry, & eleanor washburn
May 28, 2008
We'll miss seeing a dressed up Andy sitting on his front steps at Halloween with a cauldron of witches brew, ghosts, goblins and spiderwebs. West Charles Street will never be quite the same...
Deborah Tender
May 28, 2008
Andy's Family,
My family adored Andy. I hope it brings you comfort to think of Andy at Larkins Place warming the room with his immortal smile and sunny disposition.
Nick and Rosemary Sabbia
May 28, 2008
To Andy's Family:
He will always be a wonderful memory of our family. He was so wonderful with the kids and so patient with the moms!!! He kept the humor in our lives when the kids were driving us crazy!! We have all lost a very wonderful caring man. He will be missed by all but his life will never be forgotten. Know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Elizabeth Davis
May 27, 2008
Andy's family,
I was greatly saddened when I read of this wonderful man's passing. As a child, I hit the "awkward" stage much earlier than most and finding shoes that fit and wouldn't embarrass an eight year-old had become impossible until someone recommended Andy's. The shoes he had were perfect and he treated my mother and me with such kindness and genuine care that going shoe shopping was better than ice cream. Andy's love and care for others is something that many aspire to but few truly achieve, and he was and always will be an inspiration. May God bless your families.
Brandy Sprout
May 27, 2008
Andy's Family
I worked at Family Service over a year ago and was the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. Andy was a great volunteer. He was a wonderful, caring man. Andy was always willing to help in any way he could. He was known by the clients and they looked forward to seeing his friendly face. He will be deeply missed. It was a pleasure to have known him. God Bless your family.
Chris Ferran
May 27, 2008
Helen and Sara,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to your family, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris (Lemke) Ferran,Lynette Lemke, and Mary Black
Beth Dahl Rodriguez
May 27, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He fitted my brother and me for shoes for years (each visit ending with a balloon!). I also made sure to have Andy fit my son for his first pair of shoes when we were visiting Champaign just before he sold the store.
Deborah Thurston
May 27, 2008
Helen and Sara,
We loved Andy. Being your neighbors has been so wonderful. Andy was like a grandfather to our kids. Patient, kind, always a great smile on his face. Our little ritual was me asking "How are you doing, Andy?" and him responding "Great! I couldn't be better if I was twins". We miss him so much, and are so sorry for your loss.
Jeffrey & Christina Rohr
May 27, 2008
I'm so sorry to here about Andy. He was a great neighbor to my Grandmother and friend to the family. He will be missed.
Madonna Bradley
May 27, 2008
Dear Helen, Sara and family,
I am truly saddened by Andy's passing. He was truly a joy for all that knew him. He always made us laugh. He will be truly missed.
My sincerest condolescences,
Donna Hettinger/Bradley
Bill Baker
May 27, 2008
Helen I was so shocked to see this in the paper a few days ago. It wasn't long ago I saw Andy walking in Urbana. I would often stop my car and chat with him. He was a wonder person to have as a friend. I worked with Andy at Lewis & Co, I use to cut his hair when it was aganist the law for a beautian to cut a guys hair. You and your family are in my prayers. Bill Baker
PS: I remember coming to your Garden on the Garden Walk and Andy greeted me and even invited me in to see you.
Betsy Lopez
May 27, 2008
Sara and Family:
I never had the honor of meeting your Father but I have heard that he was such a wonderful man. Knowing you, I don't doubt that he was! I don't know what the right words are but you and your family continue in our prayers and are here for you and your family for anything that you may need. I am very sorry for your loss. I know that God will give you and your family the strength that you need right now and always.
We love you Sara, always!
Betsy, Maria, and Family
Don Gerard
May 27, 2008
Mr. Pomakoy fitted my tiny feet for shoes and never scolded me for tracking in dirt on the occasions I was honored to be a guest in his home. The world is a bit sadder in his absence.
My deepest condolences.
Sharyn Gilmore
May 27, 2008
Sara,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Having recently lost my dad I know the depth of the loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Love, Sharyn (Washburn) Gilmore
Barclay Milton
May 27, 2008
To Andy's family-
You do not know me-I am a mother of 3 children whom Andy has fitted shoes for. We loved Andy so much!! My kids loved going to "Andy's". He was so kind, gentle, patient and I trusted him completely to fit my kids with good shoes that would last. He was wonderful!!! I will remember his smile. God Bless You.
James Ishcomer
May 27, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Andy's death, he was a true friend and he was a very enjoyable person to be around. He'll be missed by all the families who knew him...
Laura Weis
May 23, 2008
To Andy's Family (especially his daughter):
I did not know your father, but I find myself in tears as I write this. We did buy shoes in his store for our children, and he was a kind and helpful man.
Last August, my mother (67-years old) was diagnosed with cancer in the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma). Each day she is still with us is a blessing. Because it is rare, so little work is being done to find a cure or even ways to prolong life. It is so hard to not feel helpless.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I understand what you have dealt with and I just wanted to tell you that I am truly sorry for your the loss of your dad.
Richard Rohr
May 23, 2008
Dear Helen and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by us and every body that new him. Let us know if there is anything we can do either for you or your family, AND WE MEAN ANYTHING. We love you and take care.
Richard & Karolee Rohr
Maria Parks
May 23, 2008
To Andy's Family,
I was so very sad to hear of Andy's passing. I went to Andy as a child for shoes and loved him-he always new who I was and now I have four children of my own and have always taken them to Andy and he remembered me! My children always Loved going to Andys and god bless him he always remembered all there names and all about them! The past three years we have come by trick or treating and they ran right up yelling "HI Andy" and he knew right away who they were! He will be so dearly missed! He was a WONDERFUL man that could always brighten someones day with his smile and laugh! We are all blessed by having known Andy! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most diffucult time. The Parks Family
Colette Ehresman
May 22, 2008
Helen and Sara, I am so very saddened to read of Andy's death. I have many fond memories of all of you. There will always be just one "shoeman". Even my children remember visiting his store. My Mother sends her sympathy also.
Betty Wilson and Family
May 22, 2008
Dear Helen, Sara and Family,
My heart goes out to you. Andy touched so many lives, including mine and my family. He will be so missed by all who knew him, but never forgotten.
May your faith bring you great comfort.
Krystal Weidman
May 22, 2008
Aunt Helen and Sara,
Uncle Andy will be missed. He was a nice man. We will all miss him. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Krystal Weidman
Delmar
Bunny McCaffree
May 22, 2008
I remember what a kind,gentle, generous person Andy was and how he always made me feel good just because of his perpetual warm smile. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Shane Weidman
May 22, 2008
Aunt Helen,and Sara,
Uncle Andy was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him.May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
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