Andrew J. Yager Jr.

He died peacefully, and on his own terms, after an extended confrontation with Myasthenia gravis. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence, and his son Michael.

Andrew was born in 1935 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and lived until joining the Army Reserve in 1957. Upon completion of his duty, he married Florence in 1958. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Florida, where Andrew raised a family in the seaside town of Clearwater. His family included son Michael and daughter Shari.

He worked in the aerospace industry at Honeywell Industries for 35 years. Andrew’s profession was that of an Electronics Technician, and he worked on various classified and secret projects destined to keep America safe over many years. For all of that expertise, he continued to struggle to operate a TV remote until the end of his days, and often insisted that the “number three” could be used as a shortcut to turn the TV off.

He was a devoted family-man, who actively participated in the PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and various team sports. He delighted in road trips to the extent his family often had to beg him to stop for restroom breaks. That said, he managed to convey his family across the country to nearly every major theme park, and at least a couple of Civil War battlefields. His family appreciated one of those more than the other, and never forgot to remind him of that. Wherever he travelled, Andrew never saw a menu he didn’t want to stop and read, just in case someone was hungry. He was good that way, and always looked after the needs of his family.

Andrew loved to keep tabs on Florida’s ever-changing weather but was seldom satisfied in either the accuracy of the official reporting, or the actual weather itself. It is a true story that while it was raining, he would watch the weather to see if the weatherperson knew it was raining. The reason behind his keen interest in the weather was that Andrew loved to go on outings and enjoyed a good picnic. In a park or at home, he was a grill-master who could cook on gas or charcoal with equal ease. He took great pride in this skill, and his family benefitted from this avocation.

After retirement, Andrew desired to travel with Florence and see the world beyond America. He visited Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, and Budapest. His international travels were curtailed by the onset of the Myasthenia. Andrew remained adventurous however, and with the help of his family continued to visit theme parks, take cruises, and read menus.

Andrew was a kind and giving man, not just to his family, but to others and his community. He volunteered at Ruth Eckerd Hall for 16 years, and supported his local voting precinct for over 3 years. He loved to give out candy on Halloween, and always had a smile and a quip for anyone who crossed his path. He adored both children and animals. He hated bad drivers, which included just about everyone else.

His stated goal for retirement was “to sit in his driveway and watch the world pass”. Instead of this noble pursuit, Andrew lived a full and active life, continuing to make the world a better place as best he could. Although he didn’t find a cure for cancer, he did help land a man on the Moon, and keep the shores of America safe… all while lavishing love and attention on a family who loved him deeply. He never asked for or expected a “thank you”, but he wouldn’t mind if you offered him an extra serving of dessert. Many are richer for the way he lived and the lives he touched, and all are poorer for his passing.