Andrew Thomas Robinson

Andrew “Drew” Thomas Robinson passed away on July 31, 2021, at INOVA Alexandria Hospital in Virginia. He was born in Rochester, Michigan; his mother, Judy, was medevacked from Libreville, Gabon, on the coast of western Africa, where his father served at the U.S. Embassy. Andrew spent his first six months of life in the loving care of his mother, maternal grandmother, big sister (15 mos.), and many aunts and uncles in Dryden, MI, before returning to Gabon.

After spending his early years in Africa, the Philippines, Virginia, and Indonesia, Andrew graduated from Annandale High School in Virginia in 1991 and joined the Virginia National Guard to serve as a corpsman. Andrew earned a certificate in computer programming, and in his first professional position participated in the Y2K changeover. This led him into a successful programming career that included positions with several large corporations, including many years at IBM in Alexandria, Virginia; Lockheed Martin in New Orleans, Louisiana; and culminating with a position for the UCLA health system in Los Angeles, California. In his final months, Andrew returned to his longtime home of Northern Virginia, where he planned to re-establish himself.

Naturally charismatic since childhood, Andrew charmed everyone he met, even to his last days. Generous in both resources and spirit, he formed lifelong friendships and was a loving son, brother, and uncle. His friends and family remember him for his adventurous spirit, passionate insights, spirited discussions, and friendly nature.

Andrew often reminded his friends that he did not live to work, but rather worked to live. A motorcycle enthusiast, foodie, and devoted friend, he discovered his most abiding passion through volunteer work with organizations that ensured secure homes and health for rescue dogs. Through his work with a Northern Virginia pet adoption and fostering agency, he met his last and most loved dog, Hoover. Andrew worked joyfully and tirelessly to help rehabilitate and provide for the medical needs of Hoover, who moved with Andrew from Virginia to New Orleans, and finally to Los Angeles.

Andrew is survived by his father Tom, stepmother Kathy, sister Beth, nephews Caleb and Zane, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins on his mother’s and father’s sides. He leaves behind a large group of cherished friends, including his lifelong friend and brother-in-spirit, Joshua Schriftman, who was with him in last days. He is also survived by his two former wives, Jessica Derr and Julia Jacobs. Andrew was preceded in death by his loving mother, Judy, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

In his final years Andrew insisted that any gift giving directed toward him take the form of charitable contributions. We are pleased to honor his wishes by asking that any memorial gestures you wish to make go through this ‘GoFundMe’ page. All funds will be donated to C.A.R.E.S., a rescue organization Andrew worked with closely for many years. https://gofund.me/8069a2de

Andrew’s ashes will be buried beside his mother’s grave in Dryden, MI.

Two memorials will be held:

Monday, August 9, a celebration of life “wake” will be held in the late afternoon / evening in Alexandria, Virginia. Place TBD, contact Beth Wiley for details: 970.274.1239

Late October, a memorial service in Dryden, Michigan. Date TBD