Andrew Drani Shimoli

A child of God, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and a friend to many, Andrew Drani Shimoli, 43, passed away peacefully at his home on May 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Andrew was born on July 29, 1982, in Kenya, where he completed his primary education. He moved to the United States in 1999 to join his mother. He attended school at St. John’s High School in Massachusetts and later moved to Tucson, where he completed his studies at Salpointe Catholic High School.

Andrew joined the military in 2006 and, shortly after, began working for Boeing Aerospace in Mesa, Arizona. He completed his engineering and aviation studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2021. During his time in the military, Andrew deployed to Iraq in 2009 for Operation Iraqi Freedom / New Dawn, Panama in 2013 for Above the Horizon, Kosovo in 2016 for KFOR 21, and participated in various state missions. He received an Honorable Discharge from the military in December 2024 after years of faithful and courageous service.

Andrew’s diagnosis began after he attended a month-long military leadership training in Tucson in January 2023. When he returned home, he started complaining about performing poorly during some physical activities at the leadership school. He shared that he came second-to-last in a plank and noticed his right arm shaking during a change of command while holding a salute. Andrew was very athletic and could deadlift 350 pounds at the gym. Upon returning home, his doctor quickly referred him to a neurologist. Extensive testing and workup were completed through February 2023. Following extensive medical evaluations, Andrew and his family received the devastating news on March 20, 2023, that he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease — a progressive and terminal illness with no known cure.

On April 18, 2023, specialists at Barrow Neurological Institute confirmed the diagnosis. Though their world was shaken, Andrew and his family faced the journey with extraordinary courage, faith, and resilience. In June 2023, Andrew traveled to Kenya to spend precious time with loved ones and say goodbye to home. Determined to fight for every possible moment, he and his family pursued consultations and alternative treatments across the country for several months until his physical condition no longer allowed travel.

After approximately 18 months, Andrew’s breathing began to decline significantly. On December 19, 2024, he made the difficult decision to begin life-sustaining ventilation rather than transitioning immediately to hospice care. Though the machine confined him to his home, it granted his loved ones another precious year together. Following several ICU admissions, Andrew ultimately chose comfort and peace at home. He enrolled with Hospice of the Valley in March 2026 and peacefully entered eternal rest on May 2, 2026.

Andrew will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He was deeply loved by many, and his strength, courage, and kindness touched countless lives. The family sincerely thanks everyone for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown throughout his journey. Andrew was preceded in death by his father and leaves behind his beloved wife, Caren; daughter, Hannah; son, Patrick; his mother; sister; sisters- and brothers-in-law; aunties and uncles; several nieces and nephews; devoted friends; and colleagues in the U.S. Army and at Boeing, all of whom will continue to cherish his memory forever.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7