Andrew B. Komensky

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Komensky, a beloved husband, brother, uncle, colleague, mentor, and friend whose kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others touched countless lives.

Andrew was predeceased by his mother, Lee Komensky; his father, Andy Komensky; and his beloved in-laws, Cristina and Pasquale Sorvillo. He leaves behind his devoted husband, Archangelo Sorvillo; his cherished sister, Susan Komensky and her partner, Suzanne Rousch; his nephew, Nicholas Hamilton; his brother, Richard and his spouse, Beryl; as well as the Sorvillo brothers, Salvatore, Alberto and Massimo, along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and chosen family members who loved him deeply.

Andrew grew up in Carlsbad, New Mexico, a small town in the southeastern part of the state that remained close to his heart throughout his life. The friendships he formed there endured for decades, and many of those friends remained in close contact with him until the very end. At just 17 years old, shortly after graduating high school, Andrew began his journey beyond New Mexico — a journey that would ultimately lead him through many places and experiences before settling in Rhode Island, the place he always felt destined to call home.

For a significant chapter of his life, Andrew served as a Franciscan Friar based in Denver, Colorado. He often described those eight years as among the most blessed of his life. Within that community, he learned the meaning of harmony, humility, service, and brotherhood — values he carried with him forever. During that time, Andrew made his first pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, the home of Saint Francis of Assisi, his patron saint. That experience profoundly shaped his understanding of peace, compassion, and social justice, opening his eyes to the injustices faced by people around the world and inspiring a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Although his path eventually led him away from religious life, Andrew knew his calling remained one of service. He pursued nursing at a Jesuit university in Denver and discovered his true vocation at the bedside. As a labor and delivery nurse, he brought calm, comfort, and extraordinary skill to families during some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives. He later became the Nurse Manager of the Labor and Delivery Unit at Denver Health Hospital, where his leadership and dedication earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike.

Andrew’s career carried him across the country and into communities where his compassion and expertise were deeply needed. In South Carolina, he worked with individuals living with HIV and AIDS through home infusion services. In Alaska, he embraced what he called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, living 550 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Barrow and serving in a six-bed hospital while working in infectious disease and outbreak control involving MRSA and tuberculosis.

Eventually, Andrew made his way to Rhode Island, where he built a beautiful life with Angelo and their beloved dogs. Rhode Island became his true home, and he often expressed how grateful he felt to live openly, proudly, and joyfully within its community. Professionally, he became certified in both HIV nursing and infection prevention and went on to serve as Director of Infection Prevention and Control at a Massachusetts hospital before later becoming Director of Infection Prevention and Employee Health at CharterCare.

Andrew was also a deeply dedicated advocate and leader within the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC). He served on the National Board of Directors for many years, chaired the committee for the organization’s 25th Anniversary National Conference in Tucson, Arizona, helped establish the South Carolina chapter, and became an integral member of the Rhode Island chapter upon moving there. His passion for advocacy, mentorship, and equitable care left a lasting impact on the nursing community and on the many people he guided throughout his career.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Andrew was known for embracing life’s simple joys. He loved discovering new restaurants, sharing meals with family and friends, and hearing about food and dining adventures, especially during the past year when illness limited his mobility. Angelo’s cooking and grilling brought him comfort and happiness during difficult days. Andrew also had a remarkable gift for keeping everyone organized, grounded, and cared for. He mentored gently and humbly, always believing in the potential of others and generously giving his time, wisdom, and spirit.

Andrew’s tribe was vast and varied — family, chosen family, lifelong friends, former members of his religious community, colleagues, neighbors, and all those fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered as an extraordinary human being: gentle, kind, generous, thoughtful, and deeply loving. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy of compassion, justice, caregiving, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

To honor Andrew’s life, plant a garden, smell a flower, sit on your deck, enjoy time with family and friends, share a wonderful meal, or cool off in a pool on a warm day — and remember to savor the beauty and goodness of life, just as Andrew did.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in Romano Funeral Home, 627 Union Ave, Providence. Burial will be private.