Andrew M. Hardik

Andrew M. Hardik Sr., 75, of Painter Street, Everson, passed away Thursday evening, Aug. 15, 2002, at UPMC at Shadyside in Pittsburgh. Andy was born in Scottdale on Feb. 28, 1927, a son of the late Michael Andrew and Helen Lucas Hardik. He was married to Doris Jean Brown Hardik, who passed away on Oct. 18, 1979. Andy was a devoted father, grandfather and brother to his family. He retired from Blaw-Knox Inc. of Gary, Indiana, in 1985, where he had worked as a foundry superintendent. Previously, he was employed with Bucyrus-Erie in Glassport for 38 years. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Scottdale and a member of the Hamilton-Maloy VFW Post #595 of Everson. He was the first, charter member of the Brookman-Hernley VFW Post #7781 of Scottdale and a full member of the Everson P.A.K. A veteran of WWII, Andy served as a private first class in the U.S. Army's 349th Headquarters Co. Infantry Division. He was proud to be a "blue devil" and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army Occupational medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was a top class boxer while in the service and was recognized with a trip to Switzerland for his talents in boxing and cross country. At home he enjoyed wine making, canning sauerkraut and gardening. Andy is survived by his loving family, his three daughters, Doris Jean Pletcher and husband, Terry, of Normalville, Barbara A. Hardik at home and Kathy Vaculik and husband, James, of Everson; his son, Andrew M. Hardik Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Scottdale; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his special lady, Betty Hall of Scottdale; three sisters, Ann Burkus, Mary Skala and Dolores Hardik, all of Scottdale; three brothers, John Hardik and wife, Sadie, of Lorraine, Ohio, George Hardik of Scottdale and companion, Caroline Peters and Joseph Hardik of Scottdale; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Andy was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Hardik Raygor, on Feb. 10, 1995; a granddaughter, Megan Hardik, on Dec. 15, 1978; a brother, Michael Hardik; and a sister, Helen Tartal. Family and friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale (724-887-5300/email: fergfh@a1usa.net) where a prayer service will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist RC Church, Scottdale, with the Rev. Father Leonard W. Stoviak as celebrant. Graveside committal services and interment will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors bestowed by the Southmoreland Veterans Association. Love Lasts Forever!