Andrew H. Gilham

Andrew Gilham Obituary Our beloved Andrew Harris Gilham (affectionately known as Andy) was called to his eternal rest on April 1, 2023. Andrew was born January 27, 1926, in Cleveland, OH. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Geraldine; parents Rose Gilham (nee Jones) and Harris Gilham; his elder sister, Lura Mae Gilham Coley; and his younger brother, Sylvester Gilham, whom he fondly called Sonny. Andrew was the second child of this family, who hailed from Warrenton, GA. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age. Andy’s childhood and adolescent school years included both public and parochial schools. Always having a natural talent to construct and deconstruct all types of gadgets and machines, he chose to pursue mechanics and engineering as a high school vocation. As news of the Second World War raged, Andrew made the decision to enlist in the United States Army in 1944, leaving high school behind for the moment. However, he would return after his military discharge in 1946 to earn a graduate diploma from Collinwood High School in Cleveland, OH. During his tour of duties, he courageously served in western Europe, the Southern Philippine Islands, and New Guinea. His decorations and citations include the Good Conduct Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars; the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII; and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. As a civilian, the Cleveland Chapter of the Huachucans Charity organization afforded a pathway to continue his efforts to motivate youths by providing scholarships, historical military information, and educational opportunities for their developments. He assisted in presentations and programs from the mid ‘90s until the most recent pandemic years of today. Andrew’s professional accomplishments demonstrated his talents for all things mechanical. He earned licensures in stationary engineering and its subdivision, boiler operations. He worked for the City of Cleveland, Water Division, and retired from CEI, now known as the First Energy Corporation. His pastimes and hobbies ran the gamut of mechanics and music. In that vein, the classic car exhibits, and discussing the nuts and bolts thereof, put a lot of pep in his step. As for music, to talk about, listen to, attend jam sessions, and discover new composers was his natural order of business! Throughout his life, he was a devoted jazz collector in all its forms: vocalists, instrumentalists, and all budding artists from classic jazz, through T. Monk, and just short of hip-hop. A happy afternoon for Andy would be to tap his feet to the beat. Andy thoroughly enjoyed being with others, usually watching and cheering on friends who played cards, bragging proudly about his wife’s bowling scores, traveling across the western hemisphere with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Inroads Teen groups, and enjoying vacation time with relatives and friends. He generously donated blood to the Red Cross well into his ninth decade. He was a compassionate companion for all who knew him. The Webster definitions for the word “helper” or “homespun philosopher” must surely list his name. His DNA literally created ways to assure others to feel safe and loved. His constant advice to all who would listen was simply, “One day at a time, one step at a time.” His surviving family members Marsha, Richard (Betty), Nicole, Alex, Alia (Larry), and Richard, Jr. (Kristen), as well as a host of other dear family members and cherished friends, will miss his warm smile, hearty laughter, and quiet wisdom. In parting, he often said to work on our plans and dreams, and then to “Ziggy on.” In remembering his legacy to us, his words will resound. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew H. Gilham, please visit our floral store. Read More

Andrew H. Gilham

January 27, 1926 - April 1, 2023