Former Donora HS Athlete Andrew J. Lelik, 97, Passed Away, Leaving His Wife of 72 Years and 2 Daughters

Andrew's life was marked by service, professional achievement, and dedication to his community.

September 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 24, 2026

Andrew J. Lelik, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in 1952, passed away at 97 following a brief illness on Tuesday, September 23, 2026, at Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Bridgeville.

He was very athletic and played football and basketball in high school.

Andrew J. Lelik DeathAndrew J. Lelik passed away at 97. (Source: Duster Funeral Home)

Andrew was a dedicated engineer and war veteran who lived in Bridgeville for the past four years and in Allegheny Township for 28 years.

He graduated from Donora High School in 1946 and attended the University of Pennsylvania for one year. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952.

Andrew was a World War II and Korean War veteran, serving his country as both an enlisted man in the Army and a US Air Force Captain.

Moreover, he dedicated his professional life to the steel industry and retired from Braeburn Steel, Lower Burrell, as the Vice President of Operations in 1993.

He was an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society for Metals (ASM), the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM), and the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI).

Andrew J. Lelik’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss

Andrew J. Lelik Jr., the son of Andrew J. Lelik Sr. and Emma Luhanich, was born on November 8, 1927, in Donora, Pennsylvania.

He passed away following a brief illness at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Bridgeville.

Andrew J. Lelik DeathAndrew J. Lelik passed away following a brief illness. (Source: Pinterest)

Andrew was a man of faith and became a member of St. Margaret Mary Church in Lower Burrell.

Above all, he cherished his family and shared 80 years of life with his wife, Rachel E. Couser. They were married for 72 years and had three daughters, Cheryl Stillwagon, Dr. Andrea S. Clem, and Kristine M. Gillotti.

Andrea is married to Dr. Jack Ramey, and Kristine is married to Gregory.

He was the proud grandfather of Philip Stillwagon, Caitlin Stillwagon, and Nicole Gillotti. Moreover, he shared a close bond with his son-in-law, Mark Stillwagon.

On the other hand, Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Emma; his beloved daughter, Cheryl Stillwagon; his brothers, William and Edward Lelik; and his sisters, Margaret Stunda, Emma Maranich, and Marian Baker.

The Lelik family will receive family and friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2026, at Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 347 E. 10th Ave, Tarentum, PA 15084 (724-224-1526).

A Christian Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, Lower Burrell, with Rev. Daniel Blout officiating. The burial will be private for the family at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters Township.

Andrew’s life was dedicated to service, dedication, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rest in Peace, Andrew J. Lelik Jr.

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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

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