Andrew E. Slavonic
Andrew E. Slavonic, 104, of Cecil Township, formerly of McMurray, died with his family by his side Monday, December 27, 2021, in the VA Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born December 1, 1917, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Charles and Anna Stempo Slavonic.
Andrew was retired as a stainless steel salesman with Allegheny Ludlum in Washington. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II with dreams of being a pilot. He spent the majority of his time in the service as a nose gunner on the B-24 Liberator, flying with crews training pilots switching from 2 to 4 engine aircraft, before moving to the top turret gunner position on the B-17 Flying Fortress.
He was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, American Legion Post 613 in Finleyville, and was a 1958 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
His daily joy was his 4 p.m. Coors Light beer, which he attributed to his longevity.
Surviving are his son, Robert Slavonic, of Cecil Township; daughter, Susan Melzer, of Bethel Park; two grandchildren, Jason (Ashley) Melzer, of Finleyville, and Jamie Melzer (Ryan Compton), of Bridgeport W.Va.; a great-grandchild on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his wife, Patricia Slavonic; and 12 siblings.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, in Kegel Funeral Home, Inc., David P. Kegel, Supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, in St. Francis of Assisi Church of St. John XXIII Parish, 3609 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. Entombment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Peters Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #764, 460 Valley Brook Road, McMurray.