Andy L. Nemeth

Oct. 2, 1945 -- March 15, 2005

Andy L. Nemeth, O.D., 59, of Granger, IN, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Boynton Beach, FL. He was born on October 2, 1945, in Mishawaka, IN, and was a lifelong resident in the Michiana area.

Dr. Nemeth was a partner/president of Optometric Associates of South Bend, Inc., and also worked at the Boling Laser Center.

On June 22, 1968, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, he married Elsie A. Horvath, who survives. Also surviving are his two sons, Andy L. Nemeth Jr. of Granger, IN, and Carey P. (Melissa) Nemeth of London, England; four grandchildren, Allyson Lee, Nicole Alexis, Jack Patrick and Luke Joseph; his mother, Flora Vernasco of Mishawaka, IN; three sisters, Patricia (Timothy) Chapman of South Bend, IN, Buffy Nemeth of Mishawka, IN, and Kimberlee (Michael) Griggs of Wakarusa, IN; his brother-in-law, Joseph (Lois) Horvath of Osceola, IN; his mother-in-law, Elsie Horvath of South Bend, IN; three nephews, Timothy Chapman of South Bend, IN, Jeffrey Chapman of California and Michael Griggs of Wakarusa, IN. Preceding him in death were his father, Andrew F. Nemeth, and his father-in-law, Joseph L. Horvath.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, IN. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter, 8660 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268; to Sacred Heart Parish, University of Notre Dame, 104 The Presbytery, Notre Dame, IN 46556; or to the Florence Troeger Memorial Golf Tournament, 54560 Old Bedford Trail, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Dr. Nemeth was a graduate of Riley High School where he was a member of the 1962 State Championship golf team and a 1963 Individual State Medalist. He was inducted into the Riley High School Athletic Hall of Fame on January 29, 2000.

He received his undergraduate degree with a B.S. in biology from Loyola University in Chicago, where he also was a four-year member of the golf team. He received his post-graduate degree from Indiana University, with a Doctor of Optometry in 1972. Dr. Nemeth was an adjunct assistant professor in biological sciences at Indiana University South Bend. He was a member of the American Optometric Association, the Indiana Optometric Association, the St. Joseph County Optometric Society, where he held the title of president, the Indiana State Board of Optometry, where he held the title of president, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He was also a chief clinical examiner for the National Board of Optometry. Dr. Nemeth was awarded the Meritorious Service to Optometry Award in 1998, presented by the Indiana Optometric Association, and the Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2000, presented by the Indiana University School of Optometry. He was awarded the Ernie Comer Memorial Award for Service in Youth Hockey in 1995. Dr. Nemeth served as a board member and president of the Irish Youth Hockey League, and was the chairman of the Knollwood Country Club Board of Governors. He was actively involved with the National Arthritis Foundation, co-president of the 100 Dance Club, and was chairman of the Florence Troeger Memorial Golf Committee.