Passing of Decorated WWII Veteran Andrew A. Richnafsky, 94, of Emporium
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Andew A. Richnafsky, 94, of 22 S. Cherry St, Emporium died at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium on Tuesday afternoon, December 13, 2011.
He was born August 21, 1917 in Tower Hill, PA a son of the late Joseph and Anna Maria Pehur Richnafsky.
On May 2, 1959 in St. Mark Catholic Church, Emporium he married Patricia Russell Richnafsky, who survives.
Mr. Richnafsky moved to Cameron County with the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1940’s. He then served with the US Army during WWII, for 5 years, with the 253rd Infantry Regiment. While in the service he received a Bronze Star Medal, American Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, 6 Overseas Service bars, Purple Heart and European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars. He retired from Sylvania in Emporium where he was a security guard for over 32 years. He was a lifelong member of the Miller-Raffaele Post 6221, VFW and the American Legion Olkosky-Jessop Post 194, Emporium, and the St. Mark Catholic Church. He enjoyed meeting his friends every morning for coffee and then going to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library to read.
Surviving in addition to his wife Patricia Russell Richnafsky; a daughter, Stephanie Goodrich, of Emporium; a son, John Richnafsky and his wife Laure, of Emporium; 8 Grandchildren, A. Marina, Cameron, Raven, Jessica, Jacqueline, Elizabeth, Andrew and Emily; 2 Great Grandchildren, Henry and Lillian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Marie Pehur Richnafsky, 6 sisters and 7 brothers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at the St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant. A Military Service will be accorded by the Cameron County Memorial Detail.
Visitation with Video Tribute will be at the Barnett Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 – 6 pm.
Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, 27 W. 4th St., P.O. Box 430, Emporium, PA 15834-0430.
Barnett Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
