Obituary of Andrew Edward Modzik

CMSGT. (retired)Andrew E. Modzik Sr., 90 of Morgantown died November 29, 2016. Andrew was born November 16th, 1926, in Jere, WV the fourth of 11 children. He was the son of the late Joseph and Rose Petempa Modzik. He was proud of his large immigrant polish family, and all of their accomplishments over the years. Andrew graduated from University High School, in 1942 at the age of 16. He immediately entered the Army Air Corps and was sent to the University of Dayton. When he turned 18 (1944) he was sent to Pilot school in Texas. He was shipping out in California when WWII ended. He returned to West Virginia where he attended WVU in the Mining Engineering program. He was an invited to be a member of MENSA. Andrew enlisted back into the Air Force in 1949 working in the Air Defense Command, in which he made his career, living and working around the world; in Greenland, Texas, Illinois, Maine, Wyoming, Taiwan, and Florida. He was a Veteran of three wars, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War. Throughout his career he received numerous awards and commendations. He turned down a political appointment to become the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air force, retiring as a CMSGT in 1969. He continued working in Federal Government positions with the Postal Service and then with the Dept. of Energy as a Federal Mining Inspector. Andrew was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His four grandchildren were his pride and joy. Andrew enjoyed sports, golfing, bowling, football, baseball, swimming and coached numerous sports teams for his wife, daughters and son. He was a member of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church (Now St. Francis de Sales ) Funeral Luncheon committee for over 30 years, He was also a team member for Sarah’s Table, a life time member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Monongalia General Hospital Auxiliary. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bertha (Billie) Modzik, his three children Karen Modzik of Morgantown, Andrew Modzik Jr. and wife Delila of Stokesdale, NC, Kathryn Houser and husband, Keith of Morgantown. Four grandchildren Ryan Houser, Nathan Houser, of Morgantown, Adrian Modzik of Charleston, SC and Adam Modzik of Greenville, NC. His sisters and brothers, Irene Liberatore of Morgantown, Jenny Sottile of Levittown, PA , William Modzik of Spotsylvania VA, George Modzik of Powell TN and Carol Modzik of Morgantown. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by three sisters, Elizabeth Modzik , Ann Yashinsky, Helen Osecky and two brothers Joseph Modzik and Julian (Junior) Modzik . Family and friends will be received at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, Friday, December 2nd from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. with a Scripture Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, December 3rd from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Andy’s memory to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508.