Andrew Rey

Family and friends bid a final farewell at the passing of Andrew (Andy) Rey – a native son of Ybor City who recently celebrated his 94th year after a successful family life and decades-long career in Tampa.

Born and raised in Ybor City, he was extremely proud of his heritage from the Caltagirone family of Sicily and the Rey family from Galicia, Spain. Andrew embraced and shared the joys of these cultures throughout his life and wherever he traveled. After completing Hillsborough High School in Tampa in 1951, Andrew was a proud 1955 graduate of the University of Florida who then pursued a life-long career with the US military as a civil engineer. He served active duty with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and was posted to various locations across Europe as part of the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe after WWII - including a then-secret transcontinental pipeline.

Following his active military service, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers to support the NASA construction boom at Cape Canaveral to transform what was then a grassy swamp into a functioning launch platform during the pioneering days of space exploration -- which continues to this day. He was then assigned to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa for more than 25 years with focus on the expansion of the base’s growing role with fighter and bomber squadrons, a refueling wing and building operational headquarters for two emerging combatant commands. In total, Andrew dedicated 45 years of his expertise, integrity and energy to military efforts to advance the national security mission of the United States.

While he loved his work, his family was the most important part of his life. He volunteered his energy and expertise on various boards and activities at Jesuit High School and the Academy of the Holy Names, where his children attended school. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church for more than 50 years and was a high spirited member of the Gator Nation.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Emily (née Muraro of Groveland, FL); his children Andrew (Lori), Daniel (Debra), Angela and Christopher; grandchildren Adam (Kristina), Melissa, Samantha (Zach), Madelynn and Lilliana; and great grandchildren Sofia and Eadaoin.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, September 11th at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in South Tampa. The viewing will begin at 1:30 followed by a catholic mass at 2:30. A private internment will be held for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to LifePath Hospice, Jesuit High School of Tampa or a charity of your choice.