Andrew "Andy" John Basista

A 1982 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, Andy also graduated from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and an MBA in Finance.

Andy is survived by his loving spouse, Angela Zeigler, with whom he shared 38 wonderful and adventurous years and beloved English Bulldog Ollie Junior. He is also survived by Uncles, James (Marge) Basista and John (Mary) Basista; several cousins; special family friend Kristen Wiswell, and many friends and acquaintances.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew James and Evelyn P. Basista of Warren, Ohio, and dogs Winston and Henry.

Andy was such a dependable, intelligent, humble person, always available for the people in his life who counted on him when it mattered and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Andy had so many varied interests, like reading about history, musicians and the mob culture of Youngstown, Ohio, and always in search of a good “Youngstown style” pizza. An avid music fan, he enjoyed attending the numerous concerts. It was not unusual to find him at a local live show several times a week at Natalies Grandview.

Andy also had a passion for rock and mineral collecting that he shared with Angela. Together they attended many shows, the highlight of the year being the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows each February, which they attended for over 20 years. They also attended shows in Denver and were vendors at numerous Midwest shows. Andy was also a consummate collector of wooden puzzle boxes, and amassed hundreds of them over the years in his collection. At home, Ollie Junior was his constant 4-legged companion, rarely leaving his side.

The Annual Community Festival, known as ComFest, in Goodale Park, for which he was a volunteer, brought Andy so much personal joy. He oversaw the ComFest Museum which he helped to organize and even expanded its archives, which was one of his proudest accomplishments. Andy enjoyed talking to the numerous museum visitors about the history of ComFest and passing on his knowledge. Many people were drawn to Andy’s affable and approachable personality, his understated sense of humor and his vast knowledge of various subjects.

Andy and Angela enjoyed traveling the country together over the years and spent many summers traversing the San Juan mountains of Colorado off roading in a Jeep. On one particular western adventure, he was able to ride for a day in the coal engine car of the Durango and Silverton Railroad.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows: A Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road in Columbus, where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10:00AM. Graveside service and interment, 1:30 PM that afternoon at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Ave W, Ontario 44906.

Donations can be made to WCBE 90.5 public radio.