Andrew C. Grata

Grata – Andrew C., 83, of Vinco, died on April 13, 2016 at his residence. Born November 7, 1932, in Vinco. Son of the late Andrew E. and Sophie (Sewalk) Grata. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Stella E. (Smolko) Grata; siblings, Alverda Stublarec-Wyrwas, Ronald, Carl, and an infant sister, Violet, and sisters-in-law, Margie Stanislawczyk and Velma Cekada. Survived by loving children; Theresa (Dondi) Wall, of Bluffton, SC; Bernadett (John) Shaver, of Little River, SC; Monica Grata of Vinco; Margaret (Timothy) Crust, of Altoona; Ann (Kevin) Byich, of Vinco; Andrew Jr (Kelly) Grata, of Merrillville, IN; Phil Grata (Patty Fye), of Nanty Glo; and Mathew (Tina) Grata of Vinco. Grandchildren: Morgan and Madison Wall; John, Carly and Bridget Shaver; Luke Grata (Jess DiPaul); Selena and Igor Ihnatenko, Cassidy (Jared Cartwright) and Saralyn Crust; Noah and Sophia Byich; Andrew and Stephen Grata; Heather Grata, (Jack and Carrie Fye); Marian, Benjamin, Jillian, and Lauren Grata. Great grandchildren Evangeline, Liev, Ian, and Lucien. Brother of Donald R. (Barabara) Grata, Tappahannock, VA and brother-in-law of Helen Kantz and Irvin (Carol) Smolko. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Andrew was a 1951 graduate of Ebensburg Cambria High School. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in the US Army during the Korean War. Andrew retired from Bethlehem Steel, where he was employed as a Crane Operator. He was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration, Conemaugh; Conemaugh PNA #1569; Parkhill American Legion Post #0970; Flood City Bowmen, Cambria County Archers, and Patchenville Hunting Club. A true toxophilite, Andrew also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. He was a past coach for youth baseball for many years, including ETJ, Conemaugh-Franklin American Legion, Johnstown City League, and Conemaugh Valley High School. Andrew was also a Pirate, Steeler and Penguin fan. He will be remembered as a beloved friend, mentor, uncle, coach, brother, grandfather, husband and father. Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, East Conemaugh, where Vigil service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Church of the Transfiguration, Conemaugh. Fr. Robert C. Hall, Pastor. Committal will be at Assumption BVM Cemetery with military rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.