Andrew Joseph Fergus Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Andrew “Andy” J. Fergus Jr., a loving father, husband, devoted grandfather, faithful friend, dedicated public servant, and lifetime resident of Austintown, Ohio, where he attended Austintown Fitch High School. Andy passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born February 5, 1941, in Youngstown, OH, to the late Andrew J. and Dorothy L. (Antrim) Fergus, Sr.

Andy answered the call to serve his community, dedicating 29 years to law enforcement with the Austintown Township Police Department. He began his service as an Auxiliary Patrolman on August 14, 1964, becoming a full-time patrolman on October 5, 1964, and rising in rank to Detective III before retiring on March 22, 1993. During his career, he was honored with numerous awards and commendations from both community members and neighboring police departments, culminating in his recognition as Policeman of the Year in 1990. He was deeply proud to serve the Austintown community and chose to remain there after his retirement, continuing to call the community home until his passing. Andy was dedicated to his work, a valued member of the community, and deeply cherished by his family and friends.

Outside of his career, Andy was a dedicated and hardworking man with a passion for competitive trap, clay, and turkey shooting, cheering on Austintown Fitch football, and proudly supporting his daughter’s sporting events. In his younger years, Andy fully embraced the cowboy lifestyle, participating in bull riding, barrel racing, competitive horse showing, rodeos, and farm living, which included raising pigs, horses and baling hay. He was an exceptional marksman, dedicating his talents to the Mahoning Valley Trap League and Beaver Creek Sportsman's Club, where he earned numerous accolades for his skill in shotgun events. In retirement, Andy found joy in unwinding at his cabin on Berlin Lake, working in construction, operating his dump truck, attending auctions and flea markets, watching western movies on replay, and sharing stories and coffee with everyone he met. He had a genuine love and enthusiasm for animals of all kinds. His warmth, generosity, kindness, and trademark sarcastic humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Andy is survived by his only daughter and son-in-law, Joanna (Thomas) Keller, two grandchildren, Aubriana and Evan Keller all of Lexington, SC; brother-in-law, Mark (Jody) Shuba of Nolensville, TN; a niece, Sarah Shuba and nephew, Luke Shuba both of Nashville, TN; and brother-in-law, Thomas Shuba of Charlotte, NC; great-nephew, Hunter Pappas of Akron, OH; great-niece, Ava Pappas of Austintown, OH; and will be deeply missed by his longtime best friend since first grade, Ronald Solinger, along with many extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne (Shuba) Fergus, whom he married on August 17, 1968 and after 19 years apart, they are now happily reunited; his parents, Andrew J. and Dorothy L. (Antrim) Fergus, Sr.; his sister, Judith L. Pappas; brother-in-law, Ernest T. Pappas; nephew, Erik T. Pappas; and great-niece, Maddison T. Pappas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 22, at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mineral Ridge, OH, celebrated by the Most Reverend Edward M. Lohse, JCD Bishop of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Reverend Richard Murphy of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Family and friends may pay their respects Monday, April 21, from 4-6 pm at the Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., 3896 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown, OH 44515. Andy will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown, Ohio.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Ronald Solinger, Hospice of the Valley, and Omni Manor for their support and care during Andy’s final years. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Andy’s honor to the Austintown Township Federal Order of Police (FOP) Organization and Hospice of the Valley.

Obituary lovingly written by his daughter.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., 3896 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown  OH  44515. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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