Andrew J. Stahura

Biography

Andrew Jackson Stahura was born in 1900 and served in World War I as a corporal and drill instructor in the Marines. Stahura, known best as Andy but sometimes as A.J., was the owner and butcher at Stahura’s Market, originally at Philadelphia Street and Carpenter Avenue in downtown Indiana, the location today of the Coney Island tavern.

Later, Stahura opened the Handy Andy Supermarket at North 10th and Oak streets in Indiana’s Fourth Ward.

A diversified investor and entrepreneur, Stahura also was a partner in Carino Coal Company, a productive coal mining operation, and in Stahura & Carino Christmas Tree Growers.

Stahura was a founding director and president of First Federal Savings & Loan, now InFirst Bank of Indiana, and served as president of Indiana Thrift Corporation.

Stahura also was a longtime member of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce and began a term as president in 1965. He served on the Indiana Area School District board of school directors and served as the board president during the 1960s.

Andrew married Mary Tate, who passed away in 1958, and then wed Florence Dougherty. Together, they had four sons and a family of 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Stahura died March 17, 1980, but he is still remembered for his service to the Indiana area community as a member of the Lions, the Moose, the Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He was a founding member of The Allied Club, and was a member of the Indiana Football Boosters and Indiana Fire Association.

Andy Stahura was an organizer of the Ward Baseball League as well as the St. Bernard Parish baseball program.