Andrew W. Back

Andrew W. Back,  88 a lifelong resident of Hopewell Twp., passed away Friday, January 19, 2018 in Good Samaritan Hospice House.

He was born February 4, 1929, in Weirton, WV, a son of the late John and Anna Skrabut Back.  

Andy was a proud veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII.  Andy started his career as a teacher in the Hopewell School District where he also coached Junior High School Football.  He went on to Slippery Rock University and was an Associate Professor and Chairman of the Library Science Department.  He was a graduate of Ambridge High School, completed his undergraduate degree at Clarion State College and received his Masters of Library Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

Andy was involved in several civic organizations.  He was past President of Hopewell Lions Club and was also a member of the American Legion in Hopewell.  Andy was also a member of the SS Peter & Paul Ukranian Catholic Church in Ambridge.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling and golfing with his wife Betty and their friends.

Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Nadzak Back, whom he married December 27, 1957, 2 sisters Delores Rusenko, Virginia Thompson, a sister in law Sandra Shaffer, a brother & sister in law Walt & Shirley Nadzak, and several nieces & nephews that enjoyed spending time with him.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was a daughter.

Friends will be received on Sunday from 1-4 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a parastas will be conducted at 1:15 P.M. on Sunday and prayers will be offered on Monday at 9:30 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 A.M. in the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, with Father Michael Polosky Officiating.  

Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery with the Beaver County Special Unit conducting full military honors.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew W. Back, please visit our floral store.