Bernard J. "Bernie" Tadych, 100, Longtime Banker

Bernard J. "Bernie" Tadych, 100, of Avon Lake, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 at Fairview Gerneral Hospital, Cleveland.

Mr. Tadych was born Oct. 30, 1911 and had lived in Avon Lake since 1948, moving from Cleveland.

In 1930 he joined the Cleveland Trust Company as a mail room messenger. He quickly moved to bookkeeper the next year and head bookkeeper in 1939. In 1942 he became the chief clerk and head bookkeeper at Terminal Prospect Branch of Cleveland Trust Company and in 1955, he was appointed assistant manager of the company’s Terminal Prospect branch. A succession of promotions followed, and in 1974, he was named Senior Vice President of Cleveland Trust Company, now known as Keycorp, finally retiring in 1976.

Previous to his banking career, he worked at Republic Steel and as a meat cutter at Cleveland's Central Market, working every Saturday from 2 a.m. – 5 p.m.  It was his dedication to building the best life for his family that was his driving force.

He was a charter member of and churches in Avon Lake. At Holy Spirit he was instrumental in founding the senior group, known as the Young Spirits, serving as treasurer and secretary and was a member of the Toast Masters and the treasurer of the Avon Lake Boat Club.

He and his wife, Celeste, also worked the election polls form more than 25 years. The couple kept a summer home on Catawba Island, boating with friends and fishing for perch and walleye.

In 1994, Mr. Tadych realized his prize catch when he reeled in a 9 pound, 15 ounce walleye, measuring 30 inches in length which he hung on the wall in his office.

He enjoyed wood working and carpentry and in 1948 built the home in which he raised his family and lived for the past 63 years. The home was constructed on two lots that he bought for $50 each and the house build from a kit he bought from Forest City for $3,000.

Mr. Tadych is survived by sons David L. Tadych of Bay Village and Russell J. Tadych (Joanne) of Mentor and loving friend Michael L. Gore; grandchildren Stacey, Gregory (Laci) and Jackie; and great grandchildren Nicole Tadych and Gavin Worley. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Celeste (nee Carlisle) who passed away March 13, 2001 and his parents Walter F. and Agnesca (nee Dominiczak) Tadych.

Friends may call at the , 163 Avon Belden Rd., Avon Lake , Wednesday, January 11, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at Holy Spirit Church, 410 Lear Rd., Avon Lake at 10 a.m. (meet at church). Fr. James H. Beatty of the church will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon.

Family suggests memorials made to the American Lung Association, 6100 Rockside Wood Blvd., Independence , 44131 or the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland , 44106.