Robert E. Andreyka

Robert Edward Andreyka (Bob) 87, passed away Friday, February 26th, 2021, in Plano, Texas. Born on October 21,1933 in Barberton, Ohio, to Joseph and Elizabeth Andreyka, he was the youngest of 11 children.  The son of immigrant parents, Bob spoke Slovak at home and English elsewhere, often acting as translator for his mother and father.

First in his heart was his surviving wife Mary Ann Andreyka (née Obreza), with whom he shared 63 years; his four loving children, Robert (Carolyn), Timothy (Mary), Daniel, and Karen; his 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Robbie, Emily, Bryan, Ellie, Karina, and Michelle; his 2 great grandchildren; his sister Angela McGuinness; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters: Helen Andreyka, Mildred Ujcic, Elizabeth Stefansky, Margaret Marcinko, and his brothers: Joe, Pete, Tony, Ted, Edward Andreyka.

Bob graduated from Barberton High School in 1951.  Then he worked as a draftsman for a number of years before attending Ashland College, where he received football and art scholarships along with a part time drafting job.  He transferred to Kent State University where he earned three degrees including a Ph.D. in 1969.

He started his teaching career at Hower Vocational High School in Akron before moving into higher education at Kent State University in 1964.  Bob then held faculty and/or administrative positions at the University of Akron, Oregon State University, The Ohio State University, Florida State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of South Florida, and the University of North Florida.  He also conducted vocational study tours of Scandinavia and Northern Europe. His students often kept in touch and commented how much he influenced their careers and their lives.

Bob worked internationally with the RCA/GE Company as Chief of Party of USAID projects in Egypt and Jamaica.  He returned to university life and retired from the University of North Florida as a full professor of Vocational and Technology Education. His career moved his family to many cities, finally settling in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he and Mary Ann retired in 1999.

An avid sports fan, Bob enjoyed watching, as well as, participating in sports.  In high school he lettered in football, as a running back and linebacker, playing in the state championship his senior year. He also set several track records at his high school.   He was named the all-around athlete in track at the National Sokol Track and Gymnastic Competition.  In addition, Bob lettered in football and track at Ashland College.

He was an accomplished artist who, as a young man, aspired to be a cartoonist. He loved to take photographs and movies and developed archives and a written family history that are treasures for the generations to come. His other interests included traveling the world, computers, polka music and dancing as well as participating in the Knights of Columbus.  Bob enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren and also hosting family on beach adventures in Florida.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband and family man, who had a strong religious faith, a kind and gentle heart, a generous spirit, and an incredible sense of humor.

The Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Norton. Memorial Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Inurment at Holy Cross Cemetery. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit, www.silva-hostetler.com

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