Obituary for Andrew Dancha Jr.
Andrew Dancha, Jr., 88, of Altoona, died peacefully at home on Christmas morning. He was born July 28, 1932, in Vintondale, PA, the son of the late Andrew Sr. and Annie (Petrilla) Dancha. He was a 1950 graduate of Vintondale High School. On September 30, 1953, he married his childhood sweetheart, the former Florence (Averi), at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, daughters Vicki D. Faretta, Dana Flynn Schwittek (John), and son Dr. Andrew J. (Kimberly), all of Altoona; grandchildren Crystal Dietrich (Jeffrey), Dr. Michael Faretta III, Jennifer Flynn, George Flynn II, Gabrielle Dancha, Brittany Dancha, and great-grandchildren Luke and Julia Dietrich. He was preceded in death by siblings Mary LaMantia, Charles, Peter, George, Ann Columbus, and Michael. He is also survived by sisters Margaret Greaves of Union Beach, NJ, Helen Voytas of Shoreview, MN, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family loved him dearly.
His work took him and his family from Johnstown to Detroit, MI to Los Angeles, CA and back to Detroit before settling in Altoona where he was employed by F.L. Smithe Machine Co, Inc. for thirty years as a Senior Industrial Engineer. He also owned Drew’s Machinery, Inc. and GLO Industries, Inc., both of Altoona.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 551.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for over fifty years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altoona, with Msgr. Michael Becker, officiating. There will be no public viewing. Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
Arrangements by The Good Funeral Home, Inc. Altoona, PA.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, daughters Vicki D. Faretta, Dana Flynn Schwittek (John), and son Dr. Andrew J. (Kimberly), all of Altoona; grandchildren Crystal Dietrich (Jeffrey), Dr. Michael Faretta III, Jennifer Flynn, George Flynn II, Gabrielle Dancha, Brittany Dancha, and great-grandchildren Luke and Julia Dietrich. He was preceded in death by siblings Mary LaMantia, Charles, Peter, George, Ann Columbus, and Michael. He is also survived by sisters Margaret Greaves of Union Beach, NJ, Helen Voytas of Shoreview, MN, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family loved him dearly.
His work took him and his family from Johnstown to Detroit, MI to Los Angeles, CA and back to Detroit before settling in Altoona where he was employed by F.L. Smithe Machine Co, Inc. for thirty years as a Senior Industrial Engineer. He also owned Drew’s Machinery, Inc. and GLO Industries, Inc., both of Altoona.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 551.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for over fifty years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altoona, with Msgr. Michael Becker, officiating. There will be no public viewing. Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
Arrangements by The Good Funeral Home, Inc. Altoona, PA.