Andrew Joseph Kaman

Andrew Joseph Kaman of Norton, Ohio passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 27, 2023. He was 96.

Andrew was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on July 29, 1926 to the late Andrew John and Elizabeth (Yurik) Kaman. After graduating from Johnstown Catholic High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry cum laude from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Fordham University in New York City. Andrew set a record at Fordham for getting his master's degree in nine months rather than the usual two years. Because of his accelerated studies at Saint Vincent College and Fordham, Andrew was only 20 years old when he received his master's degree.

Andrew moved to the Akron area to start his career as a research chemist with PPG Industries in 1947, retiring in 1989 with almost 42 years of service. While at PPG, Andrew received a number of patents, including those for the invention of shatterproof windshields for cars and airplanes.

Andrew was very proud of his Slovak heritage. He spoke Slovak fluently, travelled to Czechoslovakia with his wife, kept Slovak traditions during the holidays, and sang in a Slovak chorus for many years.

Andrew was a member of the former Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Barberton and currently was a parishioner at Saint Augustine Church in Barberton where he sang in the church choir for decades. In addition to singing, Andrew enjoyed playing golf and especially loved spending time with his four children, ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Andrew was an avid fan of both the University of Notre Dame and The Ohio State University, having children and grandchildren who attended these universities.

Andrew was preceded in death by his son Richard Kaman and his sister Amelia Kolar. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Dorothy (Hreha); his children Mary Beth Emming (Michael), Andrew Kaman, and Elaine Kaman (David Tibbals); grandchildren Jennifer Daoust (Timothy), Michelle Houck (Michael), James Emming (Erin), Melissa Coeling (Aaron), Jacquelin Arthur (Ben), Allen Kaman (Cheri), Amber Dille (Gary), Matthew Kaman, Meredith Tibbals, and Ian Tibbals; and great-grandchildren Leona Daoust, Nora Daoust, Josephine Daoust, Adelaide Houck, Earl Houck, Leo Emming, Emilia Emming, Elaina Arthur, Audrey Arthur, Reede Kaman, Julia Dille, Scarlette Dille, and Natalie Kaman.

Cremation has taken place and Andrew's ashes will be going to the University of Notre Dame for a special mass and blessing before a private interment takes place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.

Donations in Andrew Kaman's memory may be made to the American Chemical Society, an organization to which he belonged for many years. Its mission is to help improve people's lives through the transforming power of chemistry. To donate, please use this link, http://www.acs.org/donate

American Chemical Society
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