Andy W. Doles

Andy Doles’ love of Amateur Radio began as a teenager tapping out messages in Morse code to a neighborhood friend from the attic in his home on a radio he built with spare parts from the local drug store. He was caught some years later by a FCC official and inspired to obtain a “ham” license. His first license was issued in 1939 with the call sign of W8UDG. He continued tapping out messages for 69 years until his recent passing. Andy was a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Club, Chapter #1, and the Apricot Net during the ‘60s on the 6-meter band and his hobby recently included, daily check-ins on a 2-meter trivia net run by ‘old timers’.

During the Hough riots of 1966, his radio expertise was used to assist the Cleveland Police and Fire Departments with communication problems they were experiencing. Several of his ‘ham’ friends set up a communications center with donated equipment until the problems were overcome and the riots ended.

Andy was born in Cleveland and lived his whole live in the area. He graduated from Collinwood High in 1933 and was married to Margaret E. Heuslein in 1941.

Andy worked 39 years for The Ohio Gear Company on St. Clair Ave. He started as a floor sweeper in the shop and worked with his dad. He worked his way up through management to become a design engineer. He was honored several years ago as one of a select few individuals in the country to attain that status without earning a college degree. During World War II, the Ohio Gear Company was producing speed reducers and gear assemblies that Andy designed to close the watertight submarine doors.

He continued his career after Ohio Gear as a consultant to many national and international companies, designing gear cutting processes and assisting in setting up gear cutting machines for another 20 years. He finally retired at the age of 79.

While his children were growing up in South Euclid, he became a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader of Pack/Troop 462 at St. Gregory the Great Church. He also volunteered as a Eucharistic minister to deliver Holy Communion to the sick and elderly at area nursing homes. He enjoyed the many camping outings of scouting and attended one National Jamboree.

After 38 years living in South Euclid, he and Margaret moved to Macedonia, Ohio. Margaret passed away in January of 1998 after 57 years of marriage. Five children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren survive him. On Christmas day of 2006, a four- generation photo was taken with his son, Bob, grandson Adam and great-grandson, Evan.

Andrew W. Doles

Sept. 30, 1915---June 10, 2008

Survivors: Daughters Joanne Doles of Cleveland, Oh and Mary Ann (Robert) Dorazewski of Bedford, Oh; Sons Robert W. (wife Margie) of Macedonia, Kenneth J. (wife Robin) of Ravenna, and William A. of Chillicothe, Oh

Arrangements: Brown-Forward of Shaker Heights, Oh

17022 Chagrin Blvd.

Shaker Hts. Ohio 44120

Viewing will be Friday, June 13, 2008---2-4pm—6-8pm

Services: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

9080 Shepard Rd Saturday, June 14, 2008

Macedonia, Oh 10:00 am Funeral Mass