Andrew J. Elinski, 97, a resident of the Rouse Suites, Youngsville, PA., died at his residence, Wednesday evening, December 23, 2015. He was born February 26, 1918 in Ridgway, PA. He was the son of John and Catherine Kochan Elinski. 

He was a 1936 graduate of Wilcox High School. He joined the U.S. Army, right after graduation and was discharged April 5, 1939. In the summer of 1939, he met Sue Steffan of Sheffield, Pa and they became good friends. On May 4, 1940, Sue and Andy were married at St. Michael’s Byzantine Church. On January 2, 1940, he started his employment with National Forge and Ordinance Co. later known as National Forge Company. While employed at the National Forge Company he was “ invited back”into the U.S. Army Air Force on December 4, 1943, where he qualified for pilot, navigator and bombardier. Right after the Battle of the Bulge, 25,000 Air Cadets were shipped over in various branches of the service but because he could type, he was shipped to Westover Field, Massachusetts where he worked in the payroll department.

He was discharged from the Army Air Force on April 12, 1946, and went back to work at National Forge Company. He started his working career as a helper in the machine shop, operated lathes, planers, drill presses, etc. While working, Andy attended several seminars and correspondence courses in mathematics, engineering and manufacturing practices and operations. He had served as foreman, general foreman, process engineering manager, production manager, director of production and manufacturing. In 1974, he became Vice President and Director of Manufacturing and assistant general manager of the Erie Plant, retiring in 1979. 

Andy was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers.

He was an avid sportsman, liked to golf, fish, hunt and hike in the woods. His family was always number one in his life, but the love of the outdoors was number two.

He is survived by his two daughters – Suzanne Candreia and husband, Gary of Warren, PA., and Donna M. Smith and husband, James of Lake Worth, FL., 6 Grandchildren – Michael Cronmiller and wife, Stacy of Russell, PA., Mark Cronmiller of White Lake, MI, Lisa Smith of Pittsburgh, PA., James Smith and wife, Tara of Calabasas, CA., Ty Candreia of Glenwood Springs, CO., Jenna Clinchard and husband, Jeff of Erie, CO., 9 Great Grandchildren – Sydney Cronmiller, Tyler and Alexa Diven, Matthew and Josh Cronmiller, Taylor and Tanner Smith, Madison and Jude Clinchard, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Sue P. Steffan Elinski , who died November 25, 2008, 5 Sisters – Rose Holec, Nellie Schaffer, Josephine Mattis, Marie Holec, Katherine Palmquist 4 Brothers – Joseph, Michael, John and James Elinski.

Family and friends will be received at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA, on Monday, December 28, 2015 from 12:30pm until 1:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30pm with Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. and the U.S. Army funeral detail.

Those wishing to place memorials may do so through a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.