William "Whiskey" Joseph Strnisha, Sr.

William “Whiskey” Joseph Strnisha, Sr. Lifelong Lincoln Hill Resident William “Whiskey” Joseph Strnisha, Sr., 90, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2017. He was born on August 4, 1926, in Washington, a son of the late Martin and Sophia Bokel Strnisha. As a young man, he attended Lincoln Hill Grade School, and played soccer as a fullback for Lincoln Hill and Mather. He worked with his brothers and sisters in his father’s businesses, Clover Farm Grocery Store, and Lincoln Hill Tavern, a popular gathering place in the community for coal miners and locals. Whiskey was employed with Tygart Valley and Brockway Glass Plant #7, retiring in 1984, after thirty-three years of service. Following retirement, he was employed with D & W Bus Company and the Stone Crab Inn. He served for many years as treasurer for Slovenian National Benefit Society Lodge 617-Lincoln Hill, and was proud to be a lifelong member. Whiskey looked forward to attending Slovenfest each year, celebrating his heritage. Mr. Strnisha was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Whiskey loved spending time with his family. On Sundays, he enjoyed sitting on the porch, listening to polka music, and smoking a cigar. As a holiday tradition, he took pleasure in making Slovenian sausage, following his father’s recipe, for family and friends. On May 12, 1954, he married Mildred “Millie” Keron, who died on February 11, 2003. Surviving are four daughters, Sophie (George) Babeji, Joyce Strnisha, Linda (Martin) O’Brien, and Carol O’Brien; a son, William (Suzanne) Strnisha, Jr., all of Washington; seven grandchildren, Joseph, Martin, and Missouri O’Brien, Connor, Kelsie, and Zachary O’Brien, Amanda and Mariah Strnisha, and Justin (Becca) Babeji; three great grandchildren, Brynn Strnisha, and Jacob, and Zoey Babeji; a sister, Julia Muncie; a brother-in-law, Rudy Keron; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are four brothers, Frank and Anthony Yuvan, and Edward and Martin “Moe” Strnisha; three sisters, Christina Brennen, Sophie Soltis, and Helen Spehar; and a brother, Leo, who died in infancy. Everyone knew him as, "Whiskey Bill from Lincoln Hill, never worked, never will." He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends will be received on Sunday, July 30, 2017, from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 31, 2017, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center, 270 Martin Rd., Enon Valley, PA 16120.