Andrew R. Mihalko Sr.

Mihalko, Sr., Andrew R.

Andrew R. Mihalko Sr. , 80, of Nanticoke, NY, passed away peacefully at Lourdes Hospital, Sunday, October 7th, 2012, surrounded by the family he treasured so dearly. Andy or "Chief" as many called him was born on February 8, 1932 to Michael and Anna Mihalko. He enlisted in the US Army in 1954 and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged July 1, 1960. He married his wife Colleen, September 8, 1956. As his family quickly grew, he built their current home in Nanticoke, NY. He retired from the Painters Union Local #103 in 1994. Andy was a Member and Chief of the Nanticoke Volunteer Fire Department for many years, a responsibility he took seriously. During his time as Fire Chief, he was instrumental in the planning and building in what is now the current Fire Station in Nanticoke, NY. Andy was very proud of his family and was happiest at family gatherings in his home, when he was surrounded by those that he loved, and those that loved him. Andy was, as some would say, a "Jack-of-All-Trades" for which his many friends and neighbors could call upon him. He could fix just about anything, and if he couldn't fix it, he could make new one. Along with being a great cook, Andy enjoyed gardening, taking scenic drives, and playing the lottery. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Colleen (Barton) Mihalko; six children, Dorothy Swan, Whitney Point, NY; Marlene and David Smith, Lisle, NY, James and Robbie Mihalko, Fairview, TN, Marge and Rich Pratt, Johnson City, NY, Andy Jr. and Becky Mihalko, Nanticoke, NY and John and Cathy Mihalko, Lisle, NY; 17 grandchildren, Stephani (Matt) Greene, Justin (Alyssa Saccone) Swan, Jennifer (Jim) Case, Mandy Smith, Brenda (Andy) Fisher, Jeff (Amy) Smith, Corrie (Chris) Butler, Casey Mihalko, Jamie Mihalko, Nicole Pratt, Josh Pratt, Shannon Gabriel, Brittany (Matt Seeley) Flemming, Ian Flemming, Andrew Mihalko III, Rachel Mihalko and Megan Mihalko; 8 great-grandchildren, Hayden, Allison and Ryan Greene, Abigail and Molly Case, Blake Seeley, Amelia and Eleanor Fisher. He is also survived by his sister, Julia (Rich) Andrascik and his sister-in-law, Angie Mihalko as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loving companion Smokey. At Andy's request there will be no funeral services or calling hours; however, the family invites all those that knew and loved Andy to join them at the Nanticoke Fire Station, 1108 Nanticoke Road on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. as we gather together to Celebrate the life of our Husband, Father, Grandpa and G-Pa.

Memorial Contributions in Andy's name may be made to the American Lung Association, http://www.lung.org/donate/ or to the donor's charity of choice. For questions you can contact John at jdmihalko@gmail.com. The family would like to thank Andy's doctors and nurses at Lourdes Hospital, particularly Dr. Geoffrey L. Serfilippi, MD and ICU nurses Dani and Carlos. Your kindness and compassion for "Dad" and our family touched our hearts.

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death." Always Love.