Andrew Semonco

Andrew “Andy” Semonco, age 92, of Red Oak Ridge, Bluefield, WV, an old soldier, went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at his home. Born on June 8, 1923 in Elkhorn, WV he was a son of the late Andrew Bosic Semonco and Mary Damon Semonco. He had lived in Bluefield for the past 21 years after moving from Elkhorn. He was a retired coal miner from Eastern Associated Coal Company in Keystone and was a UMWA member. He was a member of Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church in Bluefield, WV. He was a veteran of WWII having served in the US Army as a machine gunner with Patton’s Third Army in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of France’s Top Valor and the Legion of Honor Chevalier Award. In 2010, Andrew accompanied by his daughter, Anna, participated in West Virginia inaugural Always Free Honor Flight in Washington, D.C. He was an American Legion member. He was a huge WVU fan having watched all games possible. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wash Semonco and George Semonco; and sisters, Crystal Semonco and Mary Rollyson. Survivors: Wife of 63 years: Joan Walker Semonco of the home Son: Andrew Semonco and wife Jeanne of Bluefield, WV Daughters: Yana Hodges and husband Dennis of Bluefield, WV Ranae Bailey and husband Randy of Bluefield, WV Anna Semonco of Roanoke, VA Brothers: Johnny Semonco of Pequea, PA Danny Semonco of Verona, VA Sisters: Ann Thompson of Laurel, MD Helen Kume of Andover, OH Joan Bailey of Columbia, MD Carol Rankin of Verona, VA 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church in Bluefield, WV with Father Mark Tyson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where pallbearers will be Kerry Bailey, Clay Bailey, Danny Bailey, Franky Hodges, Andrew Semonco, Rhett Semonco and Jimmy Morris. Full Military Graveside Honors will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. There will be a short Prayer Service at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 29, 2015, at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell. Friends and relatives will be received by the family at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 P.M.