Matthew P. Elensky

Matthew P. Elensky, aged 62, son of Frank and Genevieve Elensky, passed away on June 14, 2025, at his home after losing his battle with depression. Born on October 7, 1962 in Curwensville, Pa. Matt graduated from Curwensville High School and soon after began his long and successful career in mining. Matt, affectionately known by his crew as "Whack," dedicated over 40 years to the coal mining industry. He spent the last 20 years of his career with Rosebud Mining Company, where he was respected as a skilled underground miner operator and feared but looked up to by many “red hats”.

Matt was a true “jack of all trades” and spent many hours in the garage…..fixing cars and high on life. Matt wore his heart on his sleeve, gave the best burly hugs or the shirt off his back. He had a sarcastic sense of humor with his big shoulder laughs and knee slaps, they were hard to resist. He proudly raised 2 sons and 2 step daughters and was happily promoted to “Pappy”. He is missed dearly by his family, friends, and coal mining crew.

He is survived by his wife, Barbi Elensky, whom he was with for 25 years; sons, Daniel Elensky and Matthew Elensky along with his wife Abby; stepdaughters, Kari and Erik Pollick, and Kassi and Brian Dixon; brothers, Ed and his wife Lisa, and Andy and his wife Teresa; and grandchildren, Kaleb Pollick, Olivia and Mariah Dixon, Myiah Elensky, and Aveline Elensky.

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Genevieve (Rowles) Elensky; brothers, Dick, Walter, Ricky, and Larry Elensky; and his best friend, Jeffrey “Niter” Hamilton.

Details regarding memorial services will be announced at a later date.

A COAL MINERS PRAYER

Each day I descend into the hole

To earn my living digging coal

I Pray to my father in heaven above

That I may return to those I love

If somehow death I should meet

I want to wake at Jesus's feet

I want my loved ones to be sure

That in his arms I am secure

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you be kind to others because you never know what someone is struggling with.