Andrew M. Stolar

Andrew M. "Ishky" Stolar, 91, of Russell House Estate, Cowansville RD2, formerly of Ford Cliff, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005 at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.

He was born Nov. 6, 1913 in Ford City, the fourth son of Joseph F. and Mary (Chvila) Stolar. A bachelor, he lived alone on Painter Ave., Ford Cliff, until November 2003 when he moved to Campbell's Mountain View Manor, Kittanning RD1. Since Aug. 2004, he resided at Russell House Estate, Cowansville RD2. Mr. Stolar worked at PPG, Eljer Pottery, the Ford City Borough and did numerous construction jobs around the area prior to his retirement from PennDOT in 1973. He was a member of the former Holy Trinity Church in Ford City and in his last years attended church regularly at Christ, Prince of Peace Parish in Ford City, St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Indiana and St. Patrick's in Bradys Bend. He was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union, Branch 200; the Sokol Federation of America; the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 606; and the Greek Catholic Union of the U.S.A. In his youth, Mr. Stolar was a talented, self-taught musician, frequently playing various string instruments for weddings and other events throughout the county. He played guitar, violin, bass and cymbalum at area square dances and performed in occassional musical skits at Slovak social gatherings. He was an avid bowler for many years and enjoyed traveling, often driving through several states to visit family and friends. He participated in the Senior Games in several events until his health failed. He was featured in local articles and commercials about seniors. Survivors include one sister, Mary A. Charney of Ford City; four nephews; and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Joseph, Stephen, John and Paul Stolar; and two nephews, John J. Stolar and Joseph J. Charney. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m Tuesday at the Faykosh Funeral Home, A Forethought Member, 701 Fourth Ave., Ford City where a Vigil for the Deceased will begin at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday and a Blessing Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Christ, Prince of Peace Parish where the Rev. Edward J. Lewis will be the main celebrant and the Rev. Raphael Glinkowski, O.S.P.will concelebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Ford City. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Relay For Life Armstrong unit, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, Pa. 16201. Funeral arrangements by Mary Ann Badura, Funeral Director.