Andy passed away on October 2, 2020 of complications from esophageal cancer. He was born on September 15, 1946 in Pittsburgh to Andrew and Stella (Jackowski) Gurcak. He was married to Dr. Elaine Lees for 44 years before her death in 2017.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Robert) Sedgewick, and grandchildren Henry, Peter and Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen (Richard) Vater, and nephews Michael and Kevin. He would also like to thank Eileen Narvin for her companionship and care.
Andy held degrees from MIT (SB, mathematics/literature), the Univ. of Virginia (MA, English) and the Univ. of Pittsburgh (MBA). He worked from 1968 until 1985 at Westinghouse Nuclear Energy Systems as a software and hardware manager.
In 1985, he began work as an engineering manager at Goodyear Aerospace (later Lockheed Martin) in the Simulation and Training Department, which built full combat system simulators for military fighter aircraft. In the course of his career there, he held positions of R&D manager, engineering department manager and chief engineer.
After their retirements in 2010, Elaine and Andy were able to indulge in their two favorite pastimes: visiting with their beloved grandchildren as they progressed from infancy through childhood, and spending time and making improvements at their vacation home in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York. Additionally, Andy took up writing science-fiction short stories, some of which were published in several anthologies.
The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice House of Wexford for their caring treatment during Andy’s final illness. In lieu of flowers, please send donations there or to Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
Arrangements are under the care of the HP Brandt Funeral Home, Inc., 1032 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp, (412-364-4444.) Condolences may be shared at www.brandtfuneralhome.com
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