Oct 19, 2005 3 min read

Andrew A. “Andy” Shinsky, Jr., 88, of Uniontown, Pa., also known as “Junior” by his family and many friends, died on Monday, October 17, 2005, in the Cherry Tree Nursing Home, Uniontown, Pa. He was born on April 18, 1917, in Tarrs, Pa., the only child of Andrew and Victoria (Fortek) Shinsky who died during a flu epidemic when Andrew was 18 months old. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Pete and Michaelina Shinsky, who later preceded him in death.

Andrew was a member of Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Active in the community, he served as a charter board member and volunteer for Saint Vincent DePaul Society, and also volunteered his time with Fayette Community Action “Meals On Wheels”.

He was a coal miner for over 40 years employed with United States Steel Corp. and member of the United Mine Workers’ of America, Local Union 6321. Many of his coworkers at Robena Mine knew him as “Blinker”. He enjoyed helping his friends whenever he could and always had a joke or a story to brighten the day.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Agnes A. (Lemansky) Shinsky, whom he married on October 29, 1940; their children: Larry Shinsky and wife, Janet; Lois Ann Sabol and husband, Richard and Cecelia “Tia” Cropp and husband, Dennis all of Uniontown, Pa., Michael “Mick” Shinsky and wife, Connie of Scottdale, Pa., and Kenneth Shinsky and wife, Regina of Daisytown, Pa.; 12 grandchildren: David Shinsky and wife, Mary Ann of Pittsburgh, Pa., Krista D’Amico and husband, Don of Uniontown, Pa., Stephen Sabol and wife Kayleen of Colorado Springs, Co., Mark Sabol and wife, Wendy and Marci Collins all of Uniontown, Rick Sabol and wife Joey of New Salem, Pa., Tricia Smith and Dan Smith and wife, Joy all of Uniontown, Tiffany Neal and husband, Frank and Michael Shinsky all of Scottdale, Pa. and Jacob Shinsky and wife, Wendy of Clemmons, N.C. and Jordan Shinsky of Greensboro, N.C.; 15 great grandchildren: Jackson Shinsky, Carson D’Amico, Andrew and Annika Sabol, Anna Sabol, Miranda Sabol, Cassie, Sammy and Tyler Collins, Alexis Smith, Aaron and Olivia Huey and Zachary, Nicky, and Katie Smith.

Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME, INC, AT SYLVAN HEIGHTS CEMETERY, A Dignity Memorial Provider, 603 North Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, October 20, 2005, until 9 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Father Alexander L. Pleban as Celebrant. Interment will be held in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Hopwood, Pa.

Saint Joseph’s Confraternity of Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary this evening at 7 p.m., followed by Saint Joseph’s Parish Family Vigil by the Ministry of Consolation at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial tributes to Saint Vincent DePaul Society.