My wife, Margaret, and I were devasted to learn of Andy’s premature death. We spent countless evenings and weekends with him at dinner and brunch, talking and debating about the things that mattered to us most. As always, Andy brought his entirely unique perspective to those discussions. I’ve lost track of the number and kind of movies we saw, from Hollywood blockbusters to the most esoteric foreign and independent films imaginable. We celebrated many a Thanksgiving and New Year’s together, where Andy bonded with my brother, Jim, over a shared love of Bob Dylan’s music. He was a mourner at my mother’s memorial service and made the burden of her passing lighter for his being there. I’m sure he’s watching down on his beloved Mets and gently nudging the goddess Nike to help his team make a crazy run for the post-season.

I still can’t get over the unexpected loss of my friend Andrew. We enjoyed stamps, classical music, dinners, art and so many things. I still keep the beautiful postcard he designed as a memorial to my late wife, Debby Friedman. I wish, now, that we had gone Mets games, and more concerts, dinners, and trips together.

Sir Andrew! We met in 1999 and I considered you among my closest friends! I considered you family. You were an honorary OYO. 

You were amazing! It was an honor to know you! I will miss the trips we took together, the Mets baseball games, the hiking trips with you wearing the wrong shoes but eager to show off your latest t-shirt purchase, the concerts (including the one where I fell asleep!), your crazy ass driving -- remember the ticket in AZ?!, the countless horror movies we saw, eating at Indian and Italian restaurants,  our sessions at Barnes & Nobles on Union Square, your jokes, your random, "Did you know?" queries with your index finger pointed north, you visiting me at the CUNY Graduate Center, your love of lemons, and so much more. Most of all, I will miss our brutally honest, open, and real conversations about so many topics and people. 

I will visit you at Ferncliff Cemetery to continue our conversations! I can't wait to tell you about today! I know you'd be laughing and making sarcastic statments. IYKYK.

p.s. humming Whatever Will Be, Will Be ("Que Sera, Sera").

missing you tremenendously, 
dr. adashima oyo

Like Suzanne, who posted elsewhere on this site , I first met Andrew several years ago at Debby Friedman’s Adult Stamp Club, and later enjoyed seeing him at the International Stamp Club of New York City and many other stamp events over the years. He was always a fascinating person to talk with, and every conversation with him was interesting. I especially remember seeing him at the recent Boston World Stamp Show, where he was so enthusiastic to be there and clearly enjoying the event. He looked well. He seemed so full of energy and passion for the hobby that it’s hard to believe he is gone. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to all who knew him. Godspeed, Andrew.

I met Andrew through Central Park baseball and he quickly fit in with our group of teammates and our unofficial social club for obscure sports, Andrew made sure to attend all the Mets games and minor league games and in most of the group photos’ he can be seen with a raised eyebrow and inquisitive look that always cracked me up.  We spoke of many things but especially Bob Dylan, he never seemed to miss seeing him if he came anywhere close to NYC.  Andrew was brilliant and a kind man with a sense of humor to match, never at the expense of others unless you pointed your critique to the Mets, but even then the raised eyebrow came into play.  Cheers and rest well good man.

From a Rugby match at Coney Island many years ago. 
Knowing Andrew's sense of humor, something tells me this is EXACTLY how he'd want to be imagined looking down on all of us.

Andrew will be remembered as a gentleman and a scholar - a fountain of knowledge on a multitude of topics from art and architecture, to literature and music, to history and sports (and countless others).  He was a passionate collector of autographs, records, stamps, and all things NY Mets. The stories he could tell about each and every item were even more priceless than the collection itself.
I will look back with cheerfulness at all the ballgames, card shows, concerts and pubs we hung out at together; with appreciation for the autographed baseball cards he kindly shared; and with bemusement over all the checks he wrote in calligraphy that the ATM could never read.
Rest in peace, Sir. I will pour out a Diet Coke (no ice) for you the next time I'm at CitiField

Andrew was one of the most generous, kindest, most knowledgeable people I have ever met.  We spent countless hours talking about music (especially Bob Dylan), baseball Hall of Fame qualifications, politics, and many other topics.  I will miss these discussions.  I hope he is at peace.  I will miss him.

Andrew came down to Georgia 2021,  in the midst of the pandemic, to hang out and create some music.  He picked up that Seagull Merlin (a dulcimer of sorts) and immediately improvised a tune.  To be honest, Andrew could make music out of rocks and stones just like ringing a bell.

I met Andrew around 2017 as a participant in Debby Friedman’s Saturday afternoon adult stamp group that followed her morning youth group monthly meetings at the Collectors Club. 

     Andrew, a knowledgable philatelist, helped me build my basketball stamp collection. Thanks to Andrew, an avid autograph hound, I have a stamped envelope with an autograph from Olympian and Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.

     Recently, May 23-27, along with Andrew and two other friends, I attended the 2026 International Stamp Show which occurs every ten years, this time in Boston. Afterwards, Andrew dubbed us “The Boston 4”, a fine example of Andrew’s wonderful sense of humor. 

     Through the years, I came to fondly think of Andrew as a Renaissance Man who knew a lot of trivia. 

     Andrew loved all types of music, and together with Debby’s husband Bob, we regularly attended People’s Concerts in Manhattan high school auditoriums, many performers provided by the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society. 

     Rest in Peace, and thank you for your friendship, Andrew.

When we last met in Brooklyn, waiting for our respective ferries ( me to the Rockaways, you to Manhattan ), we spoke of "what we leave behind."  At the time we were thinking about music, books, sculptures and revolutions; but I think maybe the real important things might be the love we leave behind, and the people we have touched and made better.  
   In quantum physics there it is a fact that when two particles interact they form a connection that transcends time and distance.  Schrodinger called it "entanglement,"  Einstein called it "spooky," I'm gonna call it "friendship." 

     Thank you, Andrew.  I will finish those things left undone, seek your guidance often, and see you in the next go-around.
     Love,
     Peace,
     vic

     Tell your mom I said "hey."
  
     "Oh, the tree of life is growing
     Where the spirit never dies
     And the bright light of salvation shines
     In dark and empty skies."
     Bob Dylan - Death is Not The End.

I only met Andrew in person once, through a mutual friend. It only took a few moments to realize Andrew was a high quality human. We shared a meal and spoke of our personal music adventures. Such meetings are rare and can unfortunately be all too brief.                      Rest in Peace, Andrew.

I love you Andrew, and I believe you're with Jesus.

Dear Andrew,
From our morning baseball trivia, to your cup of tea  you will be so missed.  There are so many memories, our drive to the train, and not to mention our christmas decorating will  not be the same without you.  Fly high and even though you are a Met fan please be kind to my Yankees. 
Rest in peace my friend 
Lots of Love 
Tina

My Dear Andrew,
We miss you so much...I know I was a thorn in your side but I only tease people that I like. I hope you are flying with the bats free and fast...may you be talking with the angels and watching over our Mets. 
Rest in peace my friend 
Lots of LOVE 
Val

OBITUARY

Andrew J. Schiavoni

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

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