Mar 5, 2014

Retired aircraft mechanic

Thomas E. Konecheck, 90, of Avella, died at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.

He was born May 19, 1923, in Avella, a son of the late Joseph and Lena Cepres Konecheck.

Mr. Konecheck was a 1942 graduate of Avella High School and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

After graduating from Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, he was employed as an aircraft mechanic for TWA and was a senior aircraft mechanic in research and development for Continental Aviation and Engineering in Detroit, Mich. He owned Konecheck Sandwich and Bar in Atlasburg for 10 years and was employed as a welder for Testa Machine Co. Inc. in Slovan, until his retirement in 1988.

He was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association and Avella Sportsmen Club.

Mr. Konecheck loved aviation. He was a licensed pilot and owner of a four-seat Cessna Hawk airplane. Before his illness, he was in the process of building his own Zodiac two-seat airplane. From childhood, he played the violin, and, later in life, he masterfully made the instrument from scratch. He was an outdoorsman and an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a race car fan, attending numerous races over the years.

On February 28, 1946, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Zampini, who died November 17, 1993.

Surviving are a daughter, Judith L. Denny of Canonsburg; a son, the Rev. David T. (Shirley) Konecheck of Washington; two grandchildren, Krista (Brian) Wittik and Caleb Konecheck; a sister, Evelyn Vicheck of Avella; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are two brothers, Raymond and Eugene Konecheck.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the time of service, Friday, March 7, in Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, with the Rev. David T. Konecheck officiating. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella.

Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.