andrew hirkala, jr

Andrew James Hirkala, Jr

November 5, 1962 ~ February 17, 2022

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Andrew James Hirkala Jr, of Weirton, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Valley Hospice Care Center North after a prolonged illness. He was 59 years old. He was born on November 5, 1962, in Steubenville, the sixth child born to the late Andrew James and Rita Marie (Garish) Hirkala. Andrew was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church and a 1982 graduate of Madonna High School. He left Weirton in 1986 and relocated to Boca Raton, FL. While in Florida, Andrew was employed for over thirty years with Hector Turf as a service technician. His family describes Andy as very mechanical, an individual that could fix anything, a real MacGyver. He was always willing to assist anyone with any endeavor, extremely helpful, and outgoing, never knowing a stranger, having the ability to speak to anyone. Andy found enjoyment throughout his life through grilling, watching NASCAR, navigating his boat on the inter-coastal, spending time on Deerfield Beach, and telling people, “You should have bought a Ford!” In addition to his parents, Andrew was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and good friend, Jeff Hans. Left to cherish his memory with love and admiration are his brothers, Richard (Vicki), James (Barbie), Kenneth (Laura), and Patrick Hirkala all of Weirton, sisters Patricia Hans and Kathleen Hirkala of Weirton, niece Natalie (Cole) Petrelle, nephews Matthew Hirkala, Corey (Samantha) Hirkala, great-nieces Emery and Delaney Hirkala. He also leaves a special friend, Heather of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Andy’s request for cremation has been honored. Respecting his wishes, no memorial service has been planned. In lieu of flowers, Andrew’s family has requested donations be made in his memory to Madonna High School, 150 Michael Way, Weirton, WV. 26062. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
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  5. Andy was a special kid and talented mechanic. When I was Madonna principal he took my car to the career center and did some major engine work successfully! My prayers go up for his soul and for his family and friends.

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  15. 🙏🏻❤️ So Sorry for Your Loss ❤️ Our Thoughts & Prayers are with the Hirkala Family during this Difficult Time ❤️🙏🏻

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  17. Our family lived next door to him growing up so sad to hear of his passing he was a sweet sole our prayers to the family. The Pritchards

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  19. Rich, Patty, Jimmy, Cathy, Kenny & Pat, so sorry to hear about Andy’s passing, we’ve lost another great soul. Andy always did things his way, rightfully so. Wish I could I have one more beer with him, but will all remember those times we did. Rest in peace my cousin.

    – John & Starla

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  30. So very sorry for the loss of Andy. May he rest in peace. And the family finds comfort in his memories. Jean & Bill Bletzer

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  40. It’s to hard even think that Andy’s not around any more. To anyone who didn’t know him, Andy could fix, or tell you how to fix, anything. He was always in a good mood, he liked to laugh, and to make comments to make you laugh. I know for the last several months he had a rough go. I’m sure he went to Heaven where he belongs. I just wonder if there’s anything up there that he can work on. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hirkala family.

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  42. So sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Michael & Toni (Orlando) Gurskey

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  44. Rich and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Being that there were so many of you guys down on Effa and him being so much younger, I never knew him but you and your family are in my prayers. Way too young to leave you but he’s at peace now.

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  47. Andy was a great friend to me when i was in my teens and 20’s.
    I had such a great time hanging out with him and laughing!
    I remember him enjoying a few ” little kings” !
    Rest peacefully dear friend.
    🤍🙏

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  49. I had the privilege to work with Andy for over 28 years. We did many service functions together throughout that time. Andy was a great person and a friend. I will cherish the memories. You will be missed Andy.

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  51. I had the great honor of calling Andy my friend…I met him 30 years ago when he walked in to my shop for warranty work and for the next 30 years he was always there for me…we battled problems on machines and laughed and b.s.ed the whole time. He taught me things and always picked up the phone to help. I will miss our talks about equipment and boats..thank you andy…my world just got a whole lot smaller knowing that I can’t just call you for help and get me out of a bind! But thank you for all you taught me…rest in peace my friend…

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  55. Rich , Kathy and family, Lisa and I are saddened to hear of your brothers passing. May he be at peace. May God bless you all during this difficult time.

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  56. To the entire Hirkala family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of fond memories growing up with Andy and Patrick. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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  59. In the eastern sky, a star shines bright
    Filling my morning walk with light
    Memories of mornings, in the distance afar
    I looked for you, my bright shining star

    A journey it takes, when it disappears from view
    One we all take, as it is with you
    With the passing of time, of which we are aware
    In the western sky, that same star re- appears

    Cycles and seasons, not all understand
    And time as we know it,
    Is made by man’s hand

    When in the west, that star 🌟 appears
    Precious are the memories,
    Of the times we did share..

    I’m looking for you ..and I know not when
    How many seasons and cycles
    Til I see you again…

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  61. Andy was a great guy. I became friends with him when I first moved into my home in Boca Fontana. He was always helpful with me and our neighbors with just about anything. I also rented a house to him when he moved. Andy kept that house immaculate for the 2 + years he lived there. I remember Andy helped me one day when I had my boat trailer break down and was stuck on the side of the road. Andy dropped what he was doing on a Saturday and spent hours getting my trailer fixed. Andy was a very talented guy. He always joked about my SUV telling me “I should have bought a ford”. Rest in peace my old friend. Bob Battista

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  63. Mornings now start, with a peach – colored sun
    A new cycle in time has now begun
    My shining star , I do not see
    Where have you gone, where will you be ??

    You’ll see him in a while, the heavens do say
    In the western sky, at the end of yr day
    The language of the heavens speak loudly and clear
    To those who perceive, and to those who can hear

    At the heavenly station, where all trains roll in
    And we know not the schedules, or what lies therein
    As on earth, so in heaven, in the distance afar
    Waiting at that station, is my bright shining star
    I’ll see you then….

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  65. Candle Selection 1On this day, you became an angel
    Away from me you flew
    Leaving precious memories
    Of times I spent with you

    Now I cannot see you
    Your voice I cannot hear
    When I see the evening star,
    I know how much you care

    Heavenly bodies, their promises reveal
    as they traverse the eternal sphere
    Someday, somehow, I’ll be with you
    In that sweet somewhere out there

    Miss you Honey

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  66. Candle Selection 1For every soul that leaves this world
    A brand new star is born
    Twinkling and sparkling in the heavens above
    Our earthly dome to adorn

    The brightest one that shines above
    For me, that one is you
    Unseen to earthly eyes, at times
    As its timely cycles renew

    For 8 earth years, this star will dance
    And a heavenly pattern it weaves
    Unseen by eyes, its dance with the earth
    A heavenly rose 🌹 it leaves

    My Andy, my hero, my bright shining star,
    I see your rose from afar
    Until, my heavenly train
    Brings us together again
    I’ll dance with you by the stars

    2 ( earth ) yrs… miss. you 💔

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