Andrew Harcher, 94, known by family and friends as “Tat” and “Cheese” passed on Monday, July 9, 2018. He was born January 20, 1924 in Aliquippa, son of the late Michael and Mary (Pulubcik Polis) Harcher. Andrew answered our nation’s call when he volunteered to enter the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was an Aviation Ordnance Expert, stationed at Quonset Point, RI and assigned to the USS Bremerton. As a gunnery instructor, Andrew trained many a young seaman on the effective use of artillery.
Prior to his military service he worked at Colonial Steel, Monaca. Following his honorable discharge, he then worked at the Aliquippa Works of Jones & Laughlin Steel (later LTV) where he retired with 37 years of service as the number one charging crane man in the Basic Oxygen Furnace.
He was a life member of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department #3, where he was a Past Chief; a life member of the Center Township Veteran of Foreign Wars; life member of the Beaver Valley Sportsman’s Club, Senior Member of the Aliquippa Bucktails Sportsmen’s Club, Monaca American Legion Post and the Van Kirk Lutheran Church.
Andrew was an Assistant Scout Master with the Center Township Boy Scout Troop #434 with his son Andrew as a Scout; and also a Summer Scout Leader for their camping program. He was also fortunate to be involved in Scouting with his son Michael in Troop #454. Andrew also enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his camp in Mahaffey, Clearfield County. The family always had a number of animals roaming their ten acres, from chickens to ducks, peacocks and dogs. He loved his dogs Rugby and Buster; and trained a number of beagles for use in hunting. Pretty Boy peacock still makes his home in their mighty oak tree and has for over fifteen years. He was a hardworking man who thoroughly enjoyed working until his passing. Cutting wood, mowing grass and keeping active enabled him to live a long and productive life with his wife and children.
In addition to his parents, Andrew was preceded in death by his former wife: Mary Jane Fath Harcher; a son-in-law: Ronald Zupsic; and brother: Joseph Harcher.
His survived by his loving wife of 48 years: Donna Jean (Winkle) Harcher; children and spouses: Linda Zupsic, Center Township; Marjorie (Jim) Meriwether, Bergholz, OH; Andrew J. Harcher, Monaca; Dana (Al) Mathews, Fredericksburg, VA; Michael Harcher, Center Township; three grandchildren: Connor (Robert Lomax) Mathews; Grayson Mathews; and Tyler Mathews all of Fredericksburg, VA; one great grandson: Cole Lomax.
Friends will be received on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. His funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the Van Kirk Lutheran Church, 106 Van Kirk Rd, Monaca, PA 15061, with additional visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.
Military Honors will be presented at 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 14, 2018, by members of the Beaver County Special Unit at the Mausoleum Chapel of Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.
If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Van Kirk Lutheran Church, the Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation League Youth Foundation (bcscl.org), or to the Independence Conservancy (independenceconservancy.org). On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.
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