Born on June 25, 1929, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2016. Son of the late Joseph and Agnes (Virostek) Hovanec; husband of the late Mildred (Rick) Hovanec; father of Mitchell J., Matthew (Becky), Andrea Hovanec, Kiddy (Brian) Riggle and Middy (David) McAnallen. Special thanks to John "Butch" Hovanec. Grandfather, Pops, Pap of Josh, Mitch, Jared, Adam, Andrew, Samantha, Seth, Meghan, Becca, John and Anna; great-grandfather of Max, Andrew, Ruth, Amelia, Noah and Elizabeth; brother of the late Mary Yacura, Albert, Joseph, John, Steve, Paul, Albert "Al" and Helen Hovanec. Survived by a strong Hovanec family, over 30 nieces and nephews, 40 great-nieces and nephews; and 30 great-great-nieces and nephews. Friends received Thursday and Friday 2-9 PM in Thomas J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Inc., 2323 E. Carson St. Funeral Prayer Saturday 9:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial in St. Paul of the Cross Monastery at 10:00 AM. Andy was an accomplished man. He was a proud member of the Plumber's L.U. #27 for 65 years, an elected officer for 21 of those years as a business manager and business agent. Also with his admiration of his Slovak heritage, he was involved with the John Kollar Literary and Library Society as a member and officer of all the positions, also the Slovak Catholic Sokol's Branch #16 where he held the past Recording Secretary position. A lifetime D.A.V. member serving in Korea as a medic in the 32nd infantry regiment, Andy was an active member of the congregation at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church. "Som Trochu Sirota," "I'm a Little Orphan," was one of Andrew's favorite Slovak songs. It is with great sadness and enduring hope that we say, he is an orphan no more! Andrew has left behind the trials, sickness and suffering of this world and has found eternal health and vitality in the arms of our Father in heaven. Quietly, peacefully, and with his adoring family gathered around he bid us "goodbye" and joined his loving wife, Mildred; his parents, Agnes and Joseph; his brothers and sisters; and all of the faithful departed to praise and glorify God forever! Although he experienced long-term illness and pain, he always found a way to recognize others and impress upon them their importance in his life. We celebrate an extraordinary life that this son of humble Slovak immigrants attained by God's grace, by hard work and by proud heritage and active citizenship. ...Odpocivaj v pokoji teraz najdrahsie Andrew. Boh ti zehnaj. Rest in peace now, Andrew. God bless you. Dad, Pops, Pap, Uncle, you are a cornerstone to your family, you will be surely remembered. "Family first." Interment will be held Monday, July 18, 2016, at 1:00 PM in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. 15203 or Holy Family Institute, 8235 Ohio River Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA. 15202

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