SALEM - Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and coach, Andy Konovalchik, 77, of Lynn, formerly of Peabody, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 14, 2006. Mr. Konovalchik was the loving husband of Gabrielle (Roberge) Konovalchik with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
Born in Salem on February 9, 1929, the son of the late Alexander and Michaelina (Arcisz) Konovalchik, Andy graduated from Salem High School in 1947 were he was a star on the football team and thrilled crowds during his high school career. He was recruited by and played for the University of Miami, FL, until 1949. He served in the Air Force until continuing his education at Boston University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1957 and his Master's degree in 1959.
Andy worked many years in the Salem Public School system as a teacher and coach. He served as the Head Football Coach from 1964 until 1969 with great success. He was twice selected to coach in the Harry Agganis All-Star game. Mr. Agganis, who was a local legend and played for Lynn Classical while Andy was a player at Salem, was often pictured opposite Mr. Konovalchik in the newspapers.
Andy had undertaken many ventures in his full and active life. He owned and operated Andy's Aqua Shop in Salem. He was an avid scuba diver and enjoyed his time teaching scuba and diving with his sons and family friends. Andy was also an avid story-teller and wrote many unpublished poems, children's stories, and other personal philosophies. He also coached his daughters gymnastics at the Salem YNCA. More recently he coached the professional woman's football leage, for The Mass Mutiny.
Along with his wife Gabby, they raised 5 children on Burnham Road in Peabody. The Konovalchik home was always open to neighborhood families. Many hours were spent on the family trampoline and in the swimming pool in the Konovalchik backyard.
He is also survived by three daughters, Patricia & John Miller of Eliot, ME., Jill & Darryl Locke of Lynn, MA., Sandy Thomas-Kaszuba & Joe Kaszuba of South Berwick, ME., and two sons, Alexander & Sheila Konovalchik of North Andover, MA,. and Christopher Konovalchik of Lynn, MA. Andy was a devoted grandfather to Derek and Jason Locke, Christina, Victoria, Lyndsay, Miah and Nadia Konovalchik, Andrew and Nicholas Konovalchik, and Tanya Thomas. Andy is also survived by two sisters Phyllis & Edward Luzinski of Salem, Bertha Lentini of Lynn and many nieces and nephews. He was brother to the late Stanley Lusko and the late Anne Defanski.
He will be lovingly missed by the many people he touched during his life.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, July 18, 2006, from 3 to 6 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Funeral services are private. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.