Andy Sivilaythong

Andy "Ninja" Sivilaythong, 39, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on January 17, 2022 with the love of his life, Sondra and his affectionate younger sister, Marry, tenderly by his side. He fought valiantly after being diagnosed with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma in December 2020.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Emma, both of his fathers Somchay Sivilaythong and Vai Phomsopha, his younger sisters Marry Sivilaythong and Misty Phomsopha and younger brother Teerak Phomsopha.

Andy was born on October 4, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Khambong Sihamkhamfong and Vai Phomsopha after his parents emigrated from Laos. He grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts where his passion for music, comic books, food, video games, horror films and break dancing days began.

Andy had a knack for excelling in every skill and interest he put his mind to. Growing up, his obsession with drum and bugle corps aka DCI began after he joined the local group The Kingsmen. His vibrant personality was on full display in middle school when he would continue to play the drums even though he would break a stick in the middle of a performance, mesmerizing the crowd and his classmates with his talent.

Andys competitive spirit kept his friends on their toes. Whether he would challenge them to an arcade duel, summon creatures during a Magic the Gathering card game, or randomly start sparring in the middle of the restaurant, no one was safe from his lust for life.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Captain Somchay Sivilaythong, grandfather, Colonel Koka Phomsopha, as well as his love for GI Joe action figures, he decided to enlist in the United States Army shortly after graduating from Fitchburg High school in 2001.

He is a decorated Army veteran, having served with distinction as an infantryman under the 10th Mountain Division Bravo Company 4th Battalion 31st Regiment (Polar Bears) based out of Syracuse, New York where he was deployed to Iraq in 2003.

He was also a Health Care Specialist/Practical Nurse under the 628th Forward Surgical Team out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, he was part of a highly skilled combat medical team that helped save the lives of over 920 people under Operation Enduring Freedom.

One of Andys favorite things to do was to eat food, especially chicken wings. He would be extremely proud if he was able eat a whole chicken wing clean while the bones remained intact. People were amazed at his ability to sport 6-pack abs after engorging on a feast fit for kings.

To the chagrin of his sister, Marry, Andy played the dutiful annoying older brother. Always a jokester, he enjoyed playing pranks and putting her in a head lock at a moments notice. If you asked Andy, he would always say that "Marry deserved it".

He met his soulmate, the love of his life, Sondra Walters in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. While in quarantine, their magnetic bond was inseparable as they connected over Legos, weird sense of humor, and watching scary movies with Emma. Although Sondra was extremely picky with her food, that did not deter Andy from falling in love with her. They were destined to meet at the right time. Sondra completed the family Andy has always longed for.

Everyone who has ever met Andy would say he has changed their lives for the better. His fun, goofy personality, compassion, wisdom, and strength has inspired others to create more joy and meaning in their lives. From blended familial trees, friendships, military kinship, former students, to Warhammer comrades and much more, his reach was as vast as you can imagine; as deep as you can think.

His penchant for helping others did not end with humans. He rescued his fur-baby, Esperanza, from the cat shelter. Devoted to the end, she helped provide comfort to Andy.

Despite all of his achievements and lasting memories he created, one of Andys biggest accomplishments was being a father to Emma. He raised his 9-year old daughter in the best way he knew how playing video games, teaching jujitsu for future reference when she starts dating, attending ComicCons, watching Looney Tunes, and trying to out scare one another while watching horror films. Emma will forever be known as his "bug-a-dug".

Rest in peace Andy, may you enjoy your bucket of chicken wings, til Valhalla.

VISITATION

Guests are invited to share special remembrances at this time.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

6:00-8:00 PM

PORTER LORING WEST CHAPEL

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022

10:15 AM

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

To view a livestream of the services please click here.

You are also invited to view Andy's Go Fund Me page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9cw34x-andys-cancer-battle

Arrangements with

PORTER LORING WEST

1710 W. LOOP 1604 N.

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78251 (210) 891-0000