Andrew August Salminen

SALMINEN ANDREW AUGUST
Andrew August Salminen, 54, of Carroll Township, died unexpectedly Sunday, September 6, 2009 in his home. A 1973 graduate of Ringgold High School and a National Merit Scholarship finalist, Andy completed his bachelor of science in physics at Carnegie Mellon in 1980 and his master's at the University of Illinois-Chicago a few years later. He worked in particle physics at the atomic collider in Fermilab in Illinois and at the Brookhaven National Laboratories on Long Island before commencing a career in support systems for atomic submarines at a New Jersey facility. A medical condition caused him to return to Pennsylvania and, during his recovery, he became a sales associate at Sears and at Macy's stores in South Hills Village. At the time of his death, he was well launched on a new career path as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh, doing work for credit at Curtiss-Wright Corporation in Cheswick on atomic power initiatives. Though in early years active in ham radio, camping, fishing, and scuba, and a member of his high school track and field and golf teams, later in life his chief pastime was golf, where he twice distinguished himself with a hole in one. Other passions were science fiction, game theory, and bridge. Andy was the son of the late Adolph A. "Gus" Salminen who died in 2008. He is survived by his mother Kathleen and two brothers, Rusty and David (Claire). His sister Leslie Salminen died in 2005. Private burial will be in the Monongahela Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, in the Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church, Sixth and Main Streets, Monongahela, with the Rev. Mark Woomer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of one's choice. THE FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. is in charge of the arrangements.
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