Andrew J. Mehall Sr.

Born May 4, 1932 in Windbur, PA to a farming family, he was a resident of Austinburg, Cleveland, Geneva, and Saybrook before moving to Russell Twp. several years ago. Andy’s dad Andrew Mehall and mother Anna (nee Welshko) Mehall had seven children; Anne, Mike, Emma, Pauline, Andy, John, and Betty. At the age of nine he lost his father. Andy’s mother then relocated the family to Cleveland, OH, where he attended Collinwood High School. Andy met his future wife Catherine “Cate” before joining the Submarine Corps, and then the Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. When he was honorably discharged he married Cate and began working for Con Rail (formerly New York Central) Railroad. Andy’s dream of owning his own farm finally became a reality in 1963 when he bought 50 acres in Saybrook, OH, and moved his family there. He worked the railroad and farmed, mostly growing hay for horses, but also soybeans, corn, sweet corn, and strawberries. In 1974 Andy started South Shore producers, and in 1998 South Shore Producers became the Hay Store Company, Inc. He retired from the railroad in 1998 but continued helping his sons make hay until his illness took him. Andy was a lover of nature and a modern Francis of Assisi. He was a man that loved a good meal, from a good pot roast with potatoes and carrots, to a good steak dinner out. Andy also loved buffets where there were multiple food choices, and his coffee from McDonalds. In the morning he had his Egg McMuffin and in the afternoon his Wendy’s Chili. Andy’s hobbies included collecting model train sets, feeding birds and other wild life (actually his most prominent concern), and supporting political agendas for democracy and the Democratic Party. He was very concerned about the upcoming election and struggled to stay alive long enough to vote in the 2024 election. Once he voted, Andy knew his vote counted, and said he was now ready to go. Andy died just nine days later. Andy is survived by his wife Catherine “Cate” (nee Metz); and children Andrew (Salli), Grace Vitale, Jeff, Jennifer (Tom) Lombardo, and Craig (Danielle). He is preceded in death by his daughter Laura Vizuragga; sisters Pauline Sovich, Emma Kovach, and Anne Lothe; and brother Mike. A Memorial to celebrate Andy’s life will be announced to be held in the spring of 2025.