Andrew J. Reuter

Andrew J. Reuter, 97 of Dartmouth passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 in St. Luke's Hospital with his family at his bedside. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Sylvia) Reuter, father of Sandra Couto and her husband John, grandfather of Brian Couto and his wife Anne and Nica Brightman and her companion Nick.

Andrew J. Reuter “Andy” to those who knew him was born in the Bronx in New York City in 1927. Andy joined the Navy in 1944 to fight in World War II as he believed in what his country stood for and was already a proud American at the young age of seventeen.

He wanted nothing more than to serve his country. He traveled to Korea, Japan, Italy, and various other locales on Navy vessel achieving the rank of Private First Class. After his active duty he continued in the Navy Reserves.

In the late forties Andy was stationed at the Newport Naval Base and on leave one weekend he headed to Dartmouth, MA to the Lincoln Park dancing pavilion where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. They married in 1950 and were married for over sixty years. They had a beautiful daughter, Sandy, whom they raised in New Bedford, MA where they settled until moving to Dartmouth, MA later in the seventies.

Andy worked for the US Government for over forty years until his retirement. Not being one to sit around, he decided in his retirement that he would drive a school bus part-time to keep busy. He worked for the Tremblay Bus Company for several years.

Andy was an avid Ham radio operator in his free time, call letters WA1FNM. He relayed messages via radio frequency locally and internationally to other serviceman and women. He also assisted during natural disasters to relay messages when other forms of communication were down. Always willing to serve and help others in need.

Andy belonged to a local radio club in Dartmouth and frequented often and made lifelong friends during his time there, especially Ray and Marty.

Andy also flew radio-controlled model airplanes, a true passion of his. Andy and his wife, Dorothy, enjoyed country western dancing and were often found on Saturday nights on the dance floor. We hope they are doing the same as they are both in heaven now and have waited many years to reunite.

A long well-lived life indeed of a kind-hearted soul. Andy is loved and will be missed dearly by his family.

Andy is also survived by many nieces and nephews living out of town.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:00AM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com