Some people leave behind possessions. Others leave behind something far more valuable—a legacy of love.

Andrew Stanley Szymanek Jr., affectionately known as “Lil A,” was one of those people whose presence makes the world feel a little warmer, a little kinder, and a little brighter.

Born on June 4, 1967, in Oregon, Ohio, to Andrew Stanley Szymanek Sr. and Edna Victoria Johnson, Andrew was raised in Toledo, Ohio, where he developed the hardworking spirit that would define his life. A proud roofer, carpenter, and skilled tradesman, he believed in honest work, helping others, and taking pride in building things that would last. If you knew Lil A, you knew there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for someone in need. He would gladly give you the shirt off his back without ever expecting anything in return.

Our father didn’t just create friendships—he created a place where people belonged. He opened his heart without hesitation, and in doing so, he made so many people a part of our family. The Heath family is a beautiful reflection of that love. Because of our dad, they became our family, and they always will be. He spent his life building relationships that became one of his greatest legacies. He didn’t just have friends—he connected families. Some of Andrew’s happiest moments weren’t found in grand occasions, but in the simple ones: late-night games with his favorite nephew, Judd; sitting on the porch (The Stoop) on Colburn street with Dan, going out to the camp ground with Red, watching his children and grandchildren grow sharing stories, and filling every room with laughter. Those ordinary moments became the memories his family and friends will cherish forever.

On July 12, 2026, Andrew peacefully completed his journey after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer at the age of 59. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in every life he touched, every friendship he cherished, and every story that will continue to be shared in his honor.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Stanley Szymanek Sr. and Edna Victoria Johnson; his sisters, Diana Pringle, Kimberly Sedlar (Howard), his niece, Jennifer Pringle and nephew Louis Fuller.

Andrew leaves behind the family he loved so deeply: his three children, whom he shared with Robin Gromnicki—Andrew Stanley Szymanek III; Alex Gregory Szymanek (Isabella); and Andrea Renee Szymanek (Taylor); his beloved grandchildren, Madisynn, Makayla, Andrew Stanley Szymanek IV, and Kingsley Healey-Szymanek; his Step Mother Phillis Szymanek, his nieces, Chelsea and Savannah Sedlar, and countless extended family members, lifelong friends, and the chosen family who were blessed to call him their own..

We would like to thank each and every person who came to say their goodbyes to our father and remind those who couldn’t make it that our father was a simple man and what’s known is understood; he never needed a goodbye because it's see you later.

The greatest measure of Andrew’s life isn’t found in what he left behind, but in who he brought together. His legacy lives on in every person who proudly called him family, because to know Lil A was to become family.

The Celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 8th, 2026 from 4-10pm at Rare Occasions located at 4112 Airport Hwy., Toledo, Ohio 43615.