The Columbia Family is deeply saddened by the death of their beloved brother and uncle, Andrew John Columbia, resulting from a tragic accident on his ATV in Harriman State Park over the weekend. Andrew was pre-deceased by our parents Peter Leroy & Patricia Anne (née Leary) Columbia, as well as brothers Edward [1986], David [2017], and Donald [2019].
Andrew was born in the Bronx, NY on 26 December 1961. He was an adoring and dedicated son & grandson, often caring for and “landscaping” our Mom’s and Grandmother, Beatrice Britt’s, grave at Ascension Cemetery, where he will be interred with them. One of ten children, Andrew loved his siblings, to include the above and Stephen (Sarah), Alyce (Doug), Patti Columbia-Walsh (Meg), Brian (Wen), Peter (Monique), and Regine Sivan (Avi). He adored his many nieces and nephews, doing his best to spoil them whenever the opportunity arose.
Andrew thrived at Family gatherings, always leaving us in stiches with his extraordinary dance moves, his impressions – especially of the “Looney Tunes” ! – and his contagious sense of humor and zest for fun. To be with Andrew in these moments was to be along for one joyous “ride.” Andrew was a sensitive man who felt love, joy, and pain deeply. Be it times of joy or sadness, he wore his whole heart on his sleeve.
Andrew loved helping people and despite occasion of disappointment, was forever offering a helping hand or receptive shoulder even when he was most in need.
Andrew was a gifted carpentry and landscaping contractor. His work on behalf of a brother, converting a large storage unit into an elaborate office/library in Cambridge, MA was highlighted by The Boston Globe. His local clients were ever-confident in his skills, reliability, forthright effort, and honesty.
Andrew had his struggles. However, over the last six years his successful efforts at turning his life around produced a bounty of opportunities to start a business, own a home, and plan for a bright future. He loved nature and surrounded himself with its beauty at this time of his life. Trail riding was, ironically, a passion he now had a chance to enjoy.
We will miss his infectious smile, his caring heart, and the joy he brought to us all.
Please join us to share stories and recollections of Andrew’s life at the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY for Visitation on Thursday, 16 January, between 2:00 – 4:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, 17 January at Sacred Heart Church, Suffern, NY.
In lieu of donations make someone you do not know happy and never hesitate to do so for those you do !
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