Andrew J. Kotcella Jr., 86, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021, at his home in Conneautville, Pa. Andrew, known as Andy to his family and friends, was born on Oct. 29, 1935, in Charleroi, to the late Agnes Hajducek and Andrew J. Kotcella Sr. His first wife, Catherine E. Rue, mother to his first three children, preceded him in death in 1963. He then married Geraldine “Gerry” Woody, who helped him welcome two more children to the family. Gerry also preceded him in death in 2012. Andy was a lifelong Pennsylvania resident. He worked for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in Allenport, and for much of his life he lived in Roscoe, Washington County. After retiring from Wheeling-Pittsburgh, Andy and Gerry moved to Conneautville, where they enjoyed tending to their large vegetable garden, raising birds and chartering fishing trips on Lake Erie. For years, Andy enjoyed spending time at a hunting and fishing cabin that he purchased with a group of close friends. This is where he taught his children and many grandchildren how to fly fish. Andy was a member of several sportsmen’s clubs in and near Conneautville and was quite competitive at trap shooting. After a brief illness several years ago, Andy could not wait to return to his home in Conneautville and to his regular routines and visits with friends at his sporting clubs. Outgoing and gregarious, Andy made friends easily, enjoyed meeting all sorts of people and telling a good story. He was easy to talk to and hard to end a conversation with. He particularly loved to talk about his travels to Alaska and his many hunting trips to Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho. Andy was also an avid sports fan and a dog lover. He enjoyed watching the Steelers, Pens and Pirates play, whether it was in the stands or on television with his dogs at his side. Andy dearly loved his children and was proud of each one of them. He is survived by four children, Cynthia Sonafelt, Andrew Kotcella II, Mary Beth (Thomas) Buchanan and Michelle (Jay) Wronek. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jennifer (Heather) Buchanan, Angela Kotcella, Ashley Kotcella, Ian Sonafelt and Trinity Wronek; and seven great- grandchildren. Andy will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by his son, William Kotcella; daughter-in-law, Agnes Kotcella; and great-grandson, Andrew Kotcella. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 501 Washington St., Conneautville, PA 16406. All are welcome to attend a luncheon at the church following the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of MCCAULEY FUNERAL HOME, 1405 Main St., Conneautville, PA 16406. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.mccauleyfuneralhome.net.
