Andrew Pochodylo Jr.

Andrew Pochodylo, 94, of Port Huron, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 9. He was born on February 7, 1927 in Port Huron, the third of six children of Andrew and Katherine Pochodylo. Andrew graduated from Port Huron High School, and during his early college years, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps near the end of World War II. After returning home, he went on to graduate from Port Huron Junior College and Michigan State University. Andrew married Doris Barr on August 4, 1951 in Port Huron. He worked for 44 years in the Port Huron Area School District, as a teacher, counselor and principal at Chippewa Middle School. The number of lives that he touched in this capacity was evident, as wherever he went, he was often greeted with a “Hi, Mr. Pochodylo” and reminded of a meaningful experience during school. All Chippewa kids held a huge place in his heart. Andy lived to work hard and help others, providing a strong foundation of support for his family, neighbors, church and community. That foundation began with the building of his family home. He did much of the work himself and took great pride in that accomplishment. As an avid gardener, he was just as proud of his yard, which earned eight “Yard of the Year” awards and included a garden that supplied vegetables and flowers to family and neighbors regularly. His yard work continued at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member and faithfully served in multiple ways including responsibility for the front entrance landscaping and as an usher well into his 80’s. When he was not at school or working in the yard, Andy was supporting his community - often in relation to sports or music. In addition to playing baseball, softball and basketball himself, he cheered on the sports teams of his children and local schools - and even helped to build Memorial Stadium. He was a Port Huron High School Band Booster for many years, and in his later life looked forward to the band marching by his home and stopping to play the fight song in his honor as they practiced for the International Day parade. Andy also played a key role in hosting the drum and bugle corps show in Port Huron each summer, serving as the chairman of Blue Water Brass for 25 years. He received the Spirit of Port Huron award as a result. Andy is survived by his four children: Kay (Stephen) Presby of Bloomfield Township, Mark (Carol) Pochodylo of Dublin, OH, Jim (Kristine) Pochodylo of Penfield, NY, and Ann (Charles) Teasley of Cumming, GA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Amy (Jake Uebler), Laura (Casey Reed) and Julie Pochodylo, Alex and Elena Pochodylo, and Drew and Dylan Teasley; one great grandson Patrick Uebler; his sisters Eleanor Russell of Monroe and Mary Pochodylo of Port Huron and brother Max Pochodylo of Marysville; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Andy was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents; sister Helen Pochodylo, sister and brother-in-law Stella and Robert Wiegand, sister-in-law Maureen Pochodylo and niece Mary Anne Wiegand. For the health and safety of family and friends during our continued battle with the Covid pandemic, a private mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with burial in Mount Hope Cemetery. A Memorial Gathering will be on Sunday July 24th, 2022 between noon and 3:00 pm. at 1003 18th Street, Port Huron, MI. The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped Andy through his senior years: Visiting Angels, Crystal Cares Home Care, Blue Water Lodge and Balanced Home Care. Arrangements are being handled by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the American Red Cross - he donated 96 pints of blood over the years and challenges you to consider giving this gift of life to others. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com