Andrew W. Paukstitus

Andrew Wright Paukstitus, 30, a blood donor specialist at Inova Health System and an IT tech, died peacefully on January 10, 2016, at Children''s National Medical Center. He was in the loving presence of his mother, Martha Pauly, his sister, Megan Paukstitus, and their longtime family friend, Jack Harvey. The cause was cardiac arrest due to complications from congenital heart disease, said his mother. Andrew was born with a life-threatening heart defect. He underwent seven open-heart surgeries and many other medical procedures throughout his life, defying the odds again and again. Yet his heart condition did not control or define him, and he grew into a happy, spirited and beloved young man. He adored his family and friends and enjoyed travel, Johnny Cupcakes apparel and social media. He was an active voice for adults with congenital heart disease. A Falls Church, VA, native, Andrew is also survived by his father, Steve Paukstitus; his paternal grandmother, Emily Paukstitus; uncles and aunts Edward Pauly and Barbara Turvett, Michael Paukstitus and Roanne Wiczer, Rick Paukstitus and Betsy Novotny, and Larry and Ruthann Eiser; and cousins Emily, Elizabeth, Zack, Daina, Alexandra and Deanna. Services will be held at National Memorial Park, 7842 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA: viewing Friday, January 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., and celebration Saturday, January 23, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Congenital Heart Walk www.congenitalheartwalk.org in the name of Team Pauk. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.