Andrew J Hrivnak

Andrew J. Hrivnak (Andy) passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the age of 77 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be missed greatly by his wife of 42 years Karen Hrivnak, children Teresa Messer, Dee Dee Moradiellos, Andy Hrivnak, Wayne Timothy Hrivnak, Ron Steele, and their respective spouses, Larry, Frank, Heather, and Laurie. “Grandaddy” will also be missed tremendously by his grandchildren, David Lee, Sean Messer, Stephen Moradiellos, Nicole Moradiellos, Paul Jeffrey Thompson, Justin Ford, Angelina Hrivnak, Vance Hrivnak, Ronnie Steele, Nicholas Steele and his one great-grandson, Aleksander Steele. Andy will also be missed by many other extended loving family members and friends. Andy was born in Swoyersville, PA, the middle child of 3, and served in the United States Army participating in the reconstruction of post WWII Europe. Andy spent the majority of his life building and loving his very large, extensive family, and working very hard to provide a comfortable life for those around him. He never believed in asking anyone for anything and his actions supported this as he worked tirelessly on his craft of fiberglass boat repair, which started with a 21 year career at Tampa Boat Mart; and then with opening his own business, which started in the shed on his 12 acres of land in Gibsonton, Florida and ultimately with a shop on US 41, Andy’s Fiberglass Boat Repair, which he ran with his wife, Karen, and son, Andy. One of Andy’s greatest passions was racing, and in his younger years could be found on the top row directly behind the finish line at East Bay Raceway with his children and grandchildren in tow. He even got to feel what it was really like to be in a race when he was treated to the Richard Petty race car experience. He never missed a race…the last one he watched was on Saturday, September 29. Other favorite past times included watching favorite TV shows with his lovely wife and bird watching. He was particularly fond of the cardinals, but always enjoyed spotting a new “visitor”. Andy will most likely be remembered for his no-nonsense and no fuss ways. He was loud and boisterous and was an expert storyteller…Exactly how many miles did he walk in the snow with exactly how many pounds of potatoes? Anyone who met him immediately took to him…he was genuine, warm, and funny and you felt like you had known him forever from the first moment. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Martinsky and Andrew Hrivnak; by his sister, Jean Hrivnak and brother, John Hrivnak. Andy requested an intimate private family celebration of his life. The family would like to thank their family and friends for all of their support.