ANDREW EDWARD ANDREWS July 29, 1942 – May 21, 2026

May 21 of this year, Andrew Edward Andrews passed away in the comfort of his own home at age 83 in White Rock, New Mexico. He was surrounded by loved ones and he went peacefully.

Andrew (also called “Andy” by his friends and family) was born July 29, 1942 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Francis Jerome Andrews and Ruth Janet Andrews. He enjoyed his upbringing in Wisconsin and Illinois before moving to California, where he attended high school in El Cajon and graduated as a National Merit Scholar. Not long after, he took the incredible prestige to West Point in 1960 where his military journey began.

It was at West Point where Andy would develop the values of duty, honor, and integrity that guided him throughout his life. He would go on to serve with distinction in the United States Army, including over a year of service in Vietnam where he participated in four major campaigns during the war. In 1966, Andy earned his Master’s of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, which he would later use to teach Military Arts & Sciences from the lens of his experience and most cherished values. He was a professor at the University of Maryland and Boston University, as well as an instructor at the West Point Military Academy from ‘76-‘79, where he himself attended at the start of his path towards admirable achievements.

Over the course of a distinguished military career, he earned numerous honors driven by the commitment and character he brought to his national service. To name only a few, he was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was also recognized by the Republic of Vietnam for gallantry in combat. Though he retired from his military career in 1984, he continued to embody the principles of service and dedication that defined his time in the Army. Andy went on to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 25 years as a scientist and engineer, even taking leadership roles in the development of nuclear engineering and distance education.

Andy’s memory will live on in his beautiful family as a reflection of the dedication and care he gave to others. He had 59 loving years spent with his wife Maria Andrews, whom he married August 5 in 1967. Also with his memory are their four children: Marissa Andrews, Margo Andrews, Michelle Andrews, and Mathew Andrews. Andy is also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren; Christopher Rooney, Chloe Rooney, Sofie Westbrook, Jase Westbrook, Ethan Andrews, Arya Andrews, Dean McNamara, and Sam McNamara.

He was preceded in death by his daughter and light of his life, Marissa Andrews, as well as by his parents (Francis and Ruth), along with the many lost comrades who fought beside him. They are reunited now with love, friendship, and gratitude.

Andy was known for his relationship commitment, sharp intellect, support of community, and love of Army Football. He also had a passion for learning magic and was an active part of the magic community as a member of both the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Order of Merlin. Even in his later years, his love for knowledge and curious disposition never wavered. He was always open and excited to learn something new.

Above all else, however, Andy cherished the time he spent enjoying each day with the presence of loved ones. That included his little doggies and his granddaughter’s cats, all blessed with the same level of affection he gave to his very first pets when he was younger (Hansel and Laurie, both companions from childhood that awakened his love of dogs). A comfy seat in front of the television was one of his favorite ways to unwind. Whether he was watching his favorite game show “Family Feud”, a “James Bond” movie, or a Broncos game, he was more than happy to enjoy it with a good burger and a sweet tooth snack with family beside him. Even if his wife put something on the TV he didn’t like, he would still sit beside her and watch it, simply content to have her company.

Andrew Andrews was so many wonderful things. He was a million parts and each one held an undercurrent of pure love inside. Moreover, he had a genuine nature that made returning his love feel easy. His warm presence will be missed dearly by all the people whose lives he touched.

His wife will always remember the joy of everyday conversations they shared in their home and the fact that no matter what she needed, he would immediately run to get it for her. Somehow, this even included things he claimed he’d never comply with.

If his daughter Marissa was here, we are certain she would express her gratitude for his dedication to supporting her love of swimming. She would thank him for always waiting patiently at her practices and swim meets so he could praise and congratulate her, win or lose. Just like she was everything to him, we know he was everything to her.

His daughter, Michelle, will be forever thankful that he gave her some of the most precious gifts she could have ever received: her passion for skiing and for wordsmithing as well, which grew her love of crossword puzzles.

His eldest living daughter, Margo, will never forget his unwavering encouragement and support during her athletic endeavors. He always reminded her that she was capable of anything she set her mind to.

His son, Mathew, holds close the memories they made of time spent together on the soccer field, watching football, and of his own excitement to learn everything his father had to teach him.

His granddaughter, Chloe, still cherishes the deeply supportive presence he gave throughout her life and will never forget what he told her after high school. “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” She will always remember how genuinely he believed in her even in moments when she didn’t.

In loving memory of him, a funeral service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at 2 p.m., June 20, 2026. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

We love you with all our hearts Andy and you will always be with us.