Rudolph Andabaker
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Obituary for Rudolph E. Andabaker

Rudolph E.  Andabaker
Ruldoph Edward Andabaker (Rudy)

Rudy Andabaker, age 88 of Bridgeville PA, formally of Donora passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016. He is the beloved husband of Joan (Jackman) Andabaker for 63 years. He is survived by his four children, Marcia (Joe) Novek of Manlius, NY, Susan (Greg) Rogozinski of Mount Lebanon, PA, Barbara (Michael) Steinmetz of Coroapolis, PA and Rudy (Denise) Andabaker of New Braunfels, TX, plus seven grandchildren, Joseph, Rhette, Erika, Hope, Kara, Ashley and Paige, three great grand children and many nieces and nephews.

Born on August 1, 1928. Rudy was the son of Mildred and Roko Andabaker and was raised in Donora along with his sister Caroline. He attended Donora High School where is was member of the undefeated 1945 W.P.I.A.L. Donora football team and graduated in 1948. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has cited the 1945 Donora Dragons team as the best in Western Pennsylvania with players like Lou "Bimbo" Cecconi, Deacon Dan Towler and Rudy Andabaker. That team averaged 29 points per game, and the starting defense didn't allow a point all season

Rudy's play earned him a football scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Rudy started on that team as a sophomore guard; was selected the team captain and Most Valuable Player his senior year. He graduated in 1952. As a free agent, he was signed by the Steelers as an offensive lineman in 1952. Rudy was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1953 but still managed to play six games for the Steelers that year while home on leave. In 1953, he was named to the All-Army Team. In an era before agents and the relative low pay for offensive lineman and football players in general, Rudy always kept a warm place for the Rooney family, especially Art Rooney Sr. and Jr. And the Steeler Alumni Association. Rudy injured his knee in 1954 but stayed on with the Steelers for a while breaking down film but never could regain the speed and power for which he was known.

After his playing days were over, he started his teaching career at Donora High School as a physical education teacher and later became the Supervisor of Health and Physical Education in the Ringgold School District from 1957 to 1969. From 1969 to his retirement in 1989, he was a Physical Education teacher at Bethel Park High School. Also during this time, Rudy then became the head coach of the Donora Dragons and coached players like brothers Fred and Ken Griffey Sr., who was an excellent football player as well as baseball player, Malcom Lomax and Bernie Galiffa. The 1967 team and 1968 team, the last team for Donora High went undefeated. Rudy accepted a new head coach at Bethel Park High School in 1969 and coached for many years at this high school.

Rudy loved the game of football, especially the amount of personal discipline it takes to develop the strength and developing the teamwork required to excel. In addition to the trophies and honors, the thing he cherished the most was when an ex-player would seek him out during his retirement and thank him for placing him on the right path. Some even presented him with small gifts but mostly it was simply the gift of appreciation. Rudy said, what coach or teacher doesn't treasure that more than anything in the world.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Donora, PA. He also enjoyed his time spent as members of the Croation Fraternal Union of America, Elks Lodge, and Knights of Columbus.

After his retirement from coaching and teaching in 1989, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his seven grandchildren in the Pittsburgh area, San Antonio, TX, and Manlius, NY or at the Mon Valley YMCA with his many friends.

Arrangements are being handled by Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 where the family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday, September 29, 2016. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Friday September 30, 2016 at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Valley Church at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Fr. Pierre M Falkenhan as celebrant. officiating.

Entombment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, PA

His family would like to thank Dr. Prahbu and all the staff at Country Meadows were so attentive, kind and caring to our Dad, Rudy.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Country Meadows, 3570 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

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