Dr. Andrew M. Hlusak

Dr. Andrew M. Hlusak, 92, of Phoenix passed away peacefully April 4, 2012. He left his family and friends to join his wife of 63 years, Margaret Hlusak.

Andrew led an extraordinary life, one that has left his friends and family in admiration. In his early years, he served in the U.S. Navy as Boatswain's Mate IC and was the honorary recipient of the American Defense Medal – 1 star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal – 6 stars, American Area Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. His exemplary record as sailor includes engagements such as Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, Tassafaronga, Solomon Islands and Pearl Harbor, defining moments in our nation's history and the man whom we all came to know and love.

After the War, Dr. Hlusak attended Fenn College and the Ohio State University, where he completed his education as a Doctor of Optometry. He worked in private practice in Phoenix for the duration of his career.

In the ’70s, following his calling as an optometric doctor, Andrew became executive director of the Vision Service Plan and was vital in its institution in Arizona.

To complement his years of service and his professional successes, Andrew was passionately involved with the following organizations in his community: Member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church and Junior Chamber of Commerce. He ran for Phoenix City Council, was a member of the Brophy Alumni Association and American Optometric Association for more than 50 years. He served as president of the Arizona Optometric Association and the Encanto Kiwanis, and he proudly served as a board member for 35 years in the Boys and Girls Club of America.