Andrew Kivatisky passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his home in Whiting, NJ on Good Friday, April 2nd, 2021. Andy was born at home on May 29, 1932, in the Yorkville section of Manhattan. He loved and was always proud of his New York roots. He was a first generation American; his mother, Tekla Mizik, and father, Mikita Kivatisky, immigrated to this country in the early 1900’s from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and from Belarus.
He is predeceased by siblings Anna, Julia, John, Peter, Mary, Nellie, Helen, Pauline and Michael. Andy is also predeceased by his beloved first born son, Drew.
Andy is survived by his loving wife, soul mate and best friend, Carol (Stuart) Kivatisky. He is a survived by his dear son, Glenn and his wife, Debby. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Andy graduated from Seward Park High School in lower Manhattan. He served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was part of occupation troops based in Austria. During that time, he played on the Army basketball team with teammate Meadowlark Lemon, who would go on to become a star to the Harlem Globetrotters. They remained friends for years.
Andy was a lithographer, working at various locations in Manhattan and New Jersey. He was respected by his peers for his skill and dedication to his craft. He retires from his profession after forty years.
Andy lived in Manhattan, Rockland County, NY, Bergen County, NJ and Simpsonville, SC, before settling in Whiting, NJ in 2002. While enjoying retirement, he discovered bowling, which he had never participated in before, and he loved the game. He “found his voice” when he joined a community group to entertain residents of nursing and retirement homes. He had a wonderful singing voice, and was able to fulfill a dream of his by singing in public.
Andy discovered a passion for vacations abroad, a favorite being Aruba, which he traveled to for dozens of years, as well as many trips to Mexico. A favorite trip of his was one to Russia, which he made in honor of his parents. And, of course, all the trips to the Finger Lakes of NYS, an area he loved. He had wonderful memories of all these trips that stayed with him even after he was unable to travel due to health.
Andy will be greatly missed by his family, friends, those he loved, and especially those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors in Andy’s memory.
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