Andrew Syka Obituary

Andrew Syka
May 9, 1920-Mar 10,2020
Saratoga
Son of Mary Mamay Syka and Andrew Syka, immigrants of Rusyn ethnicity from the Carpathian Mountain region of what is now far eastern Slovakia.
Andy married Rachel Lawton, who he had known since childhood, on June 12, 1948, in Pittsburgh, PA. They immediately moved to the Bay Area and eventually settled in Sunnyvale for 62 years. He was known as "The Mayor Of West Iowa Avenue" and taught generations of neighborhood children to play basketball in his driveway. He was an avid gardener an d kept the neighbors in lemons, tomatoes, green beans and Santa Rosa plums.
He proudly served in the United States Navy in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict and the Naval Reserves, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He participated in and organized many USN ships' reunions.
Before World War Two, he attended Springfield College in Springfield, MA where he made lifelong friends.
He received his BA and MA from Stanford University and was an avid supporter of Stanford
Football until his death.
He worked for Eastman Kodak Company from 1955 until his retirement in 1983. He and Rachel enjoyed traveling the world and making new friends along the way.
He kept up a lively correspondence - if you wrote to him, he wrote you back.
In his later life, he wrote a memoir about his youth. "Growing Up In Woods Run 1920-1939" It was highly regarded as a vivid portrait of life as a first generation American-Rusyn in a densely populated Eastern European neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA.
Predeceased by his daughter, Sally Ann Syka and his granddaughter, Morgan Siegler.
Survived by his wife, Rachel and four children, Suzy Siegler (Ted), Peter Syka (Emma Nazzaro) Stefany Perlman (Dean) and John Syka (Eleszabeth McNeel) and six grandchildren,
Andy Siegler, Blaze and Luke Syka, Ben and Evan Perlman and Raty Syka, and one great grandson, Derek Siegler.
Per Andy's request, there will be no services.
Memorial donations may be made to the Saratoga Retirement Community Employee Fund,
14500 Fruitvale Avenue, Building 1000, Saratoga, CA. 95070.

View the online memorial for Andrew Syka

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Syka

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

7 Entries

April 10, 2020

So sad to hear of Andy;s passing. He and my brother in law John Lysak were lifelong friends. Their children grew up together. John passed away in January. He was the oldest living Olympian from 1936.My sister June and Rachel were very close friends. Andy and Rachel were the nicest people we knew and they had a big family.Andy and John were like brothers We already miss both of these wonderful people.
bless Them
Lucille Greenlee Family

Priscilla & Gary & the Seid boys

April 3, 2020

We are very sorry to hear about Mr. Syka's passing. We are very fortunate to have known him for the last 30 years. He had taught us so many life lessons. We love him and we will miss Mr. Syka dearly. We would like to offer Mrs. Syka and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences. Rest in peace Mr. Syka.

March 21, 2020

With great appreciation and many fond memories of going to Stanford football games and playing football and basketball. My heart felt condolences.

Patrick Miller

Skip Schaeffer

March 20, 2020

Hello John and Rachel,

I just found out about this today and I am certainly sorry about your loss.

There were more than a few times y'all would invite me to the Stanford football games back in jr high and high school. Getting there early and playing some really great football games on the large grassy fields. Cheering on the team and then staying afterwards for the bands' really great song renditions. Andy, Rachel, and everyone else in the family accepted me like one of their own. Those were great days from beginning to end, just a whole lot of fun.

I really like this picture of Andy because I always remember him as a happy, smiling guy. He was able to share stories and be inquisitive. You could tell he was interested in people and what they had to say.

Thank you for your kindness and friendship Andy. I'll always remember those great times I was fortunate enough to have with you.

michael thomas

March 19, 2020

I enjoyed working for Andy at Eastman Kodak in Palo Alto. He was a kind and fair boss. RIP.

March 18, 2020

HAdn't heard from Andy in a while so ED checked to see what he might learn. Discovered that ANdy had died. We are saddened to learn about is death.

Andy was a most special person. I always enjoyed talking with him. Several months ago I learned about another talent of his - drawing. Appreciated his sharing with me some of the work he did over a period of years.

Just a short time ago the sun came out! We've had rain and gray skies for the last week- as if the drops were tears of sadness for the loss we were soon to learn about.

Please remember Ed and me to Rachel.

With warm regard,

June Freeman
Little Rock, AR.

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