Bernard J. "Bernie" Tadych, 100 years and 70 days old, of Avon Lake, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Fairview Gerneral Hospital, Cleveland. Mr. Tadych was born October 30, 1911 and had lived in Avon Lake since 1948. In his earlier years, he lived in Cleveland.
Mr. Tadych began his business career on April 14, 1930 as a mail room messenger for the Cleveland Trust Company, moving to bookkeeper on October 21, 1931, and head bookkeeper on August 1, 1939. Promotions continued to come Bernie's way as on September 8, 1942 he became the chief clerk and head bookkeeper at Terminal Prospect Branch of Cleveland Trust Company and on January 13, 1955, he was appointed assistant manager of the Terminal Prospect Branch. His hard work was still noticed as on January 20, 1960 he was appointed assistant treasurer of the Cleveland Trust Company. The assistant vice president position was awarded to him On January 17, 1962 then 4 years later he was appointed Vice President and Manager of the Terminal Prospect Branch. Bernie was fortunate to work for the same company his entire career, his commitment to the bank led to a promotion on November 27, 1967 when he was appointed Vice President and District Manager in the Metropolitan Loan Division of the bank. On July 27, 1972 he was named to head of the proposed new bank in Lorain County and that came to culmination when he reached the ultimate position as Senior Vice President of Cleveland Trust Company, now known as Keycorp, on June 19, 1974. He retired February 17, 1976.
In addition to an illustrious career in banking, in his early years besides the hard work he put in to move up the ladder at the bank, Bernie also worked at Republic Steel and as a meat cutter at Cleveland's Central Market, working every Saturday from 2:00am to 5pm. It was his dedication to building the best life for his family that was his driving force.
Bernie taught classes at the American Institute of Banking for 16 years. He was a charter member of St. Joseph and Holy Spirit Churches, Avon Lake. At Holy Spirit he was instrumental in founding the senior group, known as the Young Spirits, serving as treasurer and secretary. He was a member of the Toast Masters, the Avon Lake Boat Club once again putting his banking skills to work as treasurer. He and his wife also worked the election polls form more than 25 years.
Bernie and his wife Celeste were life time boaters and fishermen. They kept a summer home on Catawba Island, boating with friends and fishing for perch and walleye. Bernie once told a Lorain Journal reporter "Celeste and I are a joint venture. We both bait our own hooks, take our own fish off the line and both of us clean them. Celeste gets an exclusive on cooking the catch and I do the dishes." On June 3, 1994 Bernie realized his prize catch as he reeled in a 9 pound, 15 ounce walleye, measuring 30 inches in length. It would have made a great meal but instead hung proudly on the wall in his office.
Mr. Tadych enjoyed wood working and carpentry and built the home in which he raised his family and lived for the past 63 years. The home was build on two lots that Bernie bought for $50 each and the house build from a kit he bought from Forest City for $3000. The family moved in to the home on February 8, 1948. It was eight degrees below zero, a record cold. He was and accomplished swimmer and tennis player in his youth.
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. Other survivors include 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 Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Rd. , Avon Lake , Wednesday, January 11, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at Holy Spirit Church, 410 Lear Rd., Avon Lake at 10:00am (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.
