Leonard S. Andolek

Leonard S. Andolek, a retired member of the Euclid Fire Department and a generous friend to many, died peacefully on June 30, 2025 at age 82. A day earlier, he had reconnected with members of his brotherhood at Station No. 1, swapping stories and sharing laughs, then went home to listen to the Tribe on the radio. Born in Cleveland on Aug. 26, 1942, Lenny attended St. Joseph High School and John Carroll University, and later served in the Army. For more than 25 years, he wore badge No. 56 for the fire department. Lenny was an avid sports fan and a voracious reader, devouring multiple newspapers and magazines before most people started their days. He was a human search engine and began most answers with, "Well, yes and no." He was Slovenian to his core. He played trumpet in the marching band and loved music – standards, jazz, rock-and-roll – and never forgot lyrics. Lenny once water skied across Lake Erie to Canada and back. He was a boater, but most days "Heart's Desire" never left the dock. He was there for the camaraderie. He was well known in many watering holes - he co-owned the Village Bar during the heyday of East 185th Street - but he was family at Skinny's Bar and Grille on East 222nd Street. He never missed a day, unless he was traveling with his partner, Sharon Hoppert, with whom he shared 30-plus years. Lenny loved his family and, because he used only a flip phone, he carried pictures of the kids to show off. He is survived by his brother, Donald Andolek (Carol); his sister, Judy Ilcin; his nephew, Daniel Andolek (Kelly); his nieces Julie Neumann (Shawn) and Megan Kirby (James); his great-nieces and great-nephews: Gavin, Lilly, Olivia, Ella, Jackson and Maverick; as well as Sharon and her daughter, Melissa Hoppert Lucci (Mike), and grandson, Griffin. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Lillian Andolek (nee Klun), and his brother-in-law Frank Ilcin. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday July 7, at Brickman Bros. Funeral Home (37433 Euclid Ave., Willoughby). Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Tuesday July 8, at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish (367 E. 260th St., Euclid). Interment at All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association or a charity that honors Lenny.