ANDREA A. LIJOI, age 85 of Canton, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away Tuesday morning after an extended illness. Born in St. Andrea, Ionio, Italy to the late Saverio and Marianna (Dominijanni) Lijoi he was preceded in death by his daughter Caroline and son Giacomo and his in-laws Giacomo and Caroline (Palumbo) Colonna. He was a member of Christ The Servant Catholic Parish, a Lifetime Member of the Ohio State Alumni Association, and Lambda Chi Fraternity. A two time Jennings Scholar, and one of the founders of The Plain Local Teacher's Association, Andrea was a champion for educators. He retired from the Plain Local School System after 34 years as a teacher. He is survived by his wife Raphael (Colonna) Lijoi with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in August of 2012, daughter and son-in-law Marianna Lijoi and John Lehman of Wadsworth, OH, Saverio Lijoi of Akron, six grandchildren; Kyle and Melissa Antol, Carolyn Antol, Dustin, Jared, and Shana Lijoi, Leah and Matt Godfrey, four great-grandchildren; Mia, Hunter, Travler, Avery, Makenna, brother and sister-in-law Dominic and Gloria Lijoi of Parma. Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Christ The Servant Catholic Parish. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with Msgr. Lewis F. Gaetano, celebrant. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ( www.christopherreeve.org ) or Christ The Servant Parish. Respecting Andrea's wishes he will be cremated.

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