Andrew A. Coffee

AVOCA-Andrew A. "Andy" Coffee, 90, of Avoca, passed away Friday morning in Little Flower Manor, Wilkes-Barre. Born on November 27, 1920 in Avoca, he was a son of the late Michael and Valeria (Pawiak) Coffee. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in Northern France and Central Europe. Andy was a life member of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. He was a life member and the oldest member of the Avoca Hose Company, a member of VFW Post #8335, Avoca and American Legion Post 607, Avoca. He was a former member of the Avoca Lions Club. For over 50 years, he was the owner of Martha's Soda Shop, which was the fabric of Avoca. Martha's provided a safe haven for the youth of Avoca and surrounding areas for many generations. In later years, Andy enjoyed playing pitch and blackjack with the guys. He always had a ticket to sell you to help any organization. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Martha Bloch, who passed away in 1979; brothers Adam, Frank, Edward, Joseph, Stanley and John; sister Catherine Wanalista. Surviving are nephews Joseph and Jerry Coffee, both of Avoca; Adam Coffee, Nanticoke; John Wanalista, Avoca; Frank Wanalista, Exeter; niece Carole Coffee, Nanticoke. The funeral will be held Monday at 9:00 a.m. from Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. The Reverend Phillip J. Sladicka will officiate. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery, Moosic. Friends may call Sunday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Avoca Hose Company, 740 Main Street, Avoca, PA 18641.