Aug 17, 2018

Andrew J. Machusko Jr., 80, of Washington, formerly of Brownsville, passed away Thursday, August 16, 2018, after a long battle with prostate cancer. His final moments of life were spent with his family by his side at his residence in Hawthorne Woods.

He was born December 31, 1937, in Hiller, a son of the late Andrew J. and Helen C. Machusko.

Andy was a graduate of Brownsville High School and California State Teachers College, where he was a power-hitting four-year starting outfielder for the Vulcans baseball team. He was inducted into the California University of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In addition to baseball, he also excelled in the classroom, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Andy began his teaching career in the Cleveland, Ohio, area as a high school physics teacher.

On June 2, 1962, he married Janice F. Kostelnik, his teenage sweetheart. As newlyweds, they moved to Athens, Ga., where Andy obtained his master’s degree. In 1968, after much hard work, he earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Georgia.

After holding brief professor positions at the University of Georgia and University of Tennessee, he returned to Brownsville to accept a professor job in the mathematics department at California State College. Andy went on to enjoy a distinguished 33-year teaching career in Cal U.’s mathematics and computer science department, including time as department head. Upon his retirement in 2003, he was granted Emeriti Faculty status.

Andy was an avid sports fan and spent much time supporting local teams as well as his beloved Steelers and Pirates. He had a kind heart and was willing to help anyone. He was loyal and generous to his family, friends and students. He had a modest upbringing and never forgot his humble beginnings. He will be sorely missed by all.

In addition to his parents, deceased are sisters Virginia Lizanich and Eleanor Margheret.

In addition to his wife, Janice, surviving are daughter Mauree Machusko Krofina and husband Bill; son Sean Machusko and wife Allison; grandchildren Aaron Faith, Lily Machusko and Ella Machusko; sister-in-law Jeanne Jenkins; brother-in-law Alan Kostelnik; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family dearly.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Skirpan Funeral Home, 135 Park Street, Brownsville. A prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 20, followed by a funeral Mass at 1 p.m. in the Historic Church of St. Peter, Brownsville, with the Rev. Thumma Fathimareddy as celebrant. Interment will be held in Lafayette Memorial Park.

Addition information is available at www.skirpanfuneralhome.com.