Andrew Chonody Obituary

Andrew Peter Chonody, a Navy veteran, lifelong salesman, and devoted family man whose life was marked by loyalty, hard work, and an enduring love for his wife of nearly 66 years, died on March 22, 2026. He was 86.



Andy was born on February 29, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, to Joseph (József) Chonody (Csanádi) and Frances (Franciska) Geröly. He grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 1959. It was there, in a shared homeroom, that he met Sandra Cox. The two married on May 9, 1960, in Newport, Rhode Island, beginning a partnership that would define the rest of his life.

Soon after high school, Andy entered the United States Navy, serving from 1959 to 1964 aboard the destroyer escort USS Lester. After completing his service, he and Sandy returned to South Bend, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.



Andy had a gift for connecting with people and was a natural salesman. He built a successful career in the automobile industry, owning and operating automobile dealerships over the years. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships, he built with customers and colleagues alike.

To his family, however, he was far more than the sum of his accomplishments. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love was constant, steady, and deeply felt. He especially delighted in his great-grandchildren, treasuring time with them and relishing every opportunity to play, laugh, and be present in their lives.



He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Chonody; his children, Todd Chonody, Timothy Chonody, and Tonia Chonody Coleman; his daughter-in-law, Alicia Fernandez; his son-in-law, Robert Coleman; his grandchildren, Christine Coleman, Andrew Chonody, Lindsey Pena, and Caitlin Coleman Cook; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Janet Chonody; his brothers-in-law, David Cox and his wife, Sue, and Nathan Cox and his wife, Melanie; as well as many nieces and nephews across the United States.



He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Joseph Chonody Jr., Mary Chonody Rojics, Emery Chonody, and granddaughter Caleigh Coleman.



Andy will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his deep faith, his strong work ethic, and the quiet, steady way he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and faithfulness that will continue through the generations he cherished so deeply.



We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before him, and that we will see him again.