Remembering Billy and Felix Harp
Today, we remember the passing of William “Billy” Hricsina Jr who tragically died in a house fire on February 28, 1978. Hricsina was living with his parents William and Mildred on the second floor of the Quick Pik Dairy Store on Harrison City Road in Level-Green (present-day location of Kellie’s Creekside Bar and Grill). The Hricsina’s owned the dairy store and at the time of the fire and they were both able to escape through a second-floor window by climbing down a rope that they kept in their bedroom for such an emergency. Sadly, they did not think Billy was home that evening, possibly still out with friends, but Fire Chief Les Wiser of Level Green and his firemen discovered the young man's remains several hours after the fire.
Some readers here will remember Billy Hricsina as a talented young musician, a member of the band Felix Harp. The band was formed in 1970 and their first album (seen here) was produced when Billy was only 15 years old. A short bio of Billy that appears inside the album jacket has been included here to remember a life cut too short.
Other members of the band included David Adomites on bass/keyboards, Michael Ardisson on drums, and David Lenart on guitar. The band was signed by Pittsburgh music producer Lou Guarino, owner of the Western World Music label. Shortly before the release of this album “The First of Felix Harp,” Lenart left the band and was replaced by Eric Beam (not pictured on the album, but credits given on several tracks).
Thanks to Rich Hydak of North Huntingdon for donating this album to the Trafford Historical Society, saving our local history, and remembering a young man once part of the local community. If you’d like to hear the album, you’ll find several tracks that have been uploaded to YouTube.
