Andrea Marie Rotella

Andrea Marie Rotella was born in Englewood, NJ on August 23, 1967, and raised in Bayonne, NJ prior to becoming a full time resident of Jupiter, Florida in 1997.

Andrea was “Special Needs” since birth, and at the time of her diagnosis as a baby, her parents were told they could either institutionalize her or take her home and do nothing. They chose to do neither, and instead, took her home and raised her to do EVERYTHING. Her entire life, Andrea always defied the odds. She attended Special Education Classes at Washington School in Bayonne, NJ, before moving on to the Windmill Alliance Adult Day Program and the Adult Ability Day Parks & Recreation Program, also in Bayonne, NJ.

Upon moving to Florida, Andrea, attended the ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), formerly known as Seagull Industries for the Disabled Adult Day Workshop, in Riviera Beach. Additionally, Andrea participated in the Special Olympics of Palm Beach County and was awarded many ribbons. She enjoyed her many friends at Seagull and the Special Olympics, and was loved by them all -- most of all her devoted boyfriend, Bob Lock, who still holds a very special place in his heart for his beloved Andrea. Bob and Andrea attended their day program together, and enjoyed dancing to her favorite music by Michael Buble, the movie Grease, and most of all, Barry Manilow - especially the Copacabana.

Andrea had a smile and personality that could light up a room and was happy MOST of the time, except for when she would get her “Potty Mouth” going…Intellectually disabled or not, you could take the girl out of Jersey, but you couldn’t take the Jersey out of the girl!

Andrea enjoyed riding her bike, coloring, doing puzzles, listening to music, watching movies – especially Grease and Hairspray, swimming in the pool, going to Disneyworld or ANY vacation, attending church and singing worship, Christmas, Grease, and Manilow songs. Her favorite TV shows, which she always asked for, were the Brady Bunch, Golden Girls, Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Mike and Molly,

Everybody Loves Raymond, Saved By The Bell, cartoons, and pretty much anything on TV Land. She loved having her nails painted…they always had to be red! She never forgot a THING, including names, places, and how to get somewhere. She was our own GPS before anyone ever had one. She had the most beautiful, innocent, child-like quality and held the hearts of many who knew and loved her.

Andrea’s greatest love of all was her service dog, Little Big Daddy, a 12 pound Malti-poo, who she referred to as “Daddy.” Their love was mutual and he never left her side, especially through her recent illness. All she spoke of, and asked for, was “Daddy,” and every one, in every hospital, knew who “Daddy” was. Before her illness, her greatest joy was walking Daddy, feeding and playing with him, and dressing him up in matching Christmas PJs and taking holiday photos with him. Daddy always EASILY complied, as even HE knew just how special HIS Andrea was!

Andrea was pre-deceased by her Parents, Ernest and Joan Rotella (nee Marko), Grandparents, Giocchino and Antoinette Rotella (nee Midili), Andrew and Mary Marko (nee Kanuch), and Anna Lawasko (nee Marko). Her Godfather/Uncle Anthony (Tony) Rotella, and many loving Aunts, Uncles and friends, who undoubtedly, welcomed her with arms wide open at Heaven’s gate.

She is survived by her loving and heartbroken “Little Sister” and Caregiver, Janet Rotella, whose honor it was to carry her through her journey, her Godmother/Aunt Marilyn Manion, and Aunt Patricia Rotella; as well as many loving cousins and friends, including Sherill Jackson and Lydia Chandler, who never missed a chance to visit Andrea in her final days. Andrea’s Support Coordinator of nearly 30 years, Amy Selke, who went above and beyond, as not only her Advocate, but truly her friend.

Andrea was an absolute Warrior who continued to defy the odds throughout her life and all the way through her illness; until the day He saw she was just too tired, so God took her in His loving arms and carried her Home to His Heavenly Kingdom, where she will forever remain our PERFECT Heavenly Angel.

Andrea’s sister, Janet, wants to express her gratitude and appreciation for the countless friends, family, Medical and Administrative Staff, her Faith Church Family and Professional Networks, near and far, who not only cared for Andrea during her illness, but supported and loved them both, as well.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Andrea is meant to be celebrated, not mourned,” so a celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, from 2pm to 6pm at Unity of Jupiter, at 550 Bush Road, Jupiter FL. Friends and family are welcome to attend, and may come as go as you please, or stay for the entire celebration. Prayers and Memorial Service will be from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. It will be a Copacabana Celebration and sing along, so please wear bright, happy colors, in honor of Andrea! Light refreshments will be served. The service will also be streamed. If you are coming from out of town, please contact the family for group hotel rates and information. A Catholic Mass for Andrea will be celebrated in NJ in the Summer of 2023, TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her Funeral Go Fund Me at: https://gofund.me/bb0359eb

#FYA Forever (IYKYK)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com for the Rotella family.