Andrew P. Mehalshick

Andrew P. Mehalshick, 81, of Hazleton, passed away Wednesday evening at his home.

            Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mary (Zaytaz) Mehalshick.

            He was a graduate of McAdoo High School, class of 1955.

            Andrew was employed in the sheet vinyl industry for 37 years as a production manager. He took an early retirement from Tarkett Corp. to become a partner with his son and daughter-in-law at the former Solid State Securities.  A local security and electronic manufacturing firm, Andrew managed the electronic manufacturing and shipping division, retiring in 2002.

            Andrew’s greatest joy and happiness was his family who he considered his wealth.  He enjoyed the weekly family dinners, the holiday get-togethers and watching his family grow from 6 to 21 over the years.

            He loved and was dedicated to his Byzantine Catholic faith and St. Michael’s B.C. Church in McAdoo where he was a trustee and usher for over 55 years. He was past president of the parish Holy Name Society, initiated the church’s CYO basketball and cheerleader program as well as the Parent/Youth Organization. He was involved in all of the church’s activities over the years including the committees for St. Michael’s 50th, 75thand 100thanniversaries.

            Andrew also enjoyed outdoor activities, tending to his garden, fishing, and hiking in the woods.  

            He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his wife Helen (Timpko) and son George Mehalshick, in 2012; sister Margaret Tutko; and brother Michael Mehalshick.

            Surviving, are his son Andrew N. Mehalshick and wife Mary, Sugarloaf; Helen Galski and husband Sam, Hazleton; Michele Conway and husband Bill, Wilkes-Barre; daughter-in-law Kimberly Mehalshick, Hazleton; grandchildren Jacqueline Watts; Alyssa, Michele and George Mehalshick; Vinnie and Nick Chupela, and Connor Galski; and Bill, Shane and Cassie Conway; great-grandson Mason Beharovic; and nieces and nephews also survive. 

             His funeral will be held Monday from the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., Blaine and Cleveland Streets, McAdoo at 9:30 a.m.  Rev. Gregory Hosler will celebrate the Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial in St. Michael’s. B.C. Church, McAdoo at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

            Calling hours will be held Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the funeral home. A Parastas service will be held at 7 p.m.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s B.C. Church, 17 E. Blaine St., McAdoo, PA 18237.

            Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

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