

We mourn the passing of Vasile Sandu, age 50, who left this world surrounded by friends and family in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday June 21, 2025, due to injuries sustained from a fall. Born August 13, 1974 in the City of Iasi, Romania and raised in the village of Chiçera, he immigrated to the United States in 1998, becoming a citizen in 2005. He went on to build a life, family and successful business in the Cleveland region. Hard-working and adventurous, Vasile took his joys picking wild fruit wherever it could be found, climbing the highest branches his loved ones would let him reach, and playing games or taking long walks with his children, nieces and nephews. He demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit leading a home improvement and roofing company for 22 years, supported by a dedicated crew and loyal customers. He is remembered as a kind and loving spirit, never shy to lend a hand or a box of tools. His bright smile, generous heart and humor will be greatly missed. He was a man of deep faith and unwavering commitment to family.
Vasile is survived by his wife, Terri Burgess Sandu, his children Lila and Emma Sandu, his mother Eugenia, sister Ionela Filote (Doru), brother Petrisor (Tatiana), sister Gabriela (George), and brother Marian (Mihaela), brother-in-law Scott Burgess (MaryBeth), brother-in-law Kenneth Matsko, sister-in-law Sherri Carney (Jim), and many beloved nieces and nephews in the United States and in Romania.
He is reunited in death with his father Vasile Sandu, a sister Mihaela, his father-in-law Dale Burgess, his mother-in-law Kathryn Burgess and sister-in-law Kelly Matsko.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 4PM-8PM at Buna Vestire Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, 7140 Fitch Rd., Olmsted Township, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 930AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Avon, Ohio. Friends and family are invited to share time together immediately following the interment at the Sandu family home. Directions will be provided.
For donations in lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made to Asociația Glasul Vieții (The Voice of Life Association), a Romanian nonprofit organization close to the family's heart. The organization, led by Orthodox priest Dan Damaschin, supports thousands of women and children, primarily from impoverished rural communities around Iași, by providing food, healthcare, and educational services. This mission is especially meaningful to our family, as Vasile’s niece works within the organization. Donations can be made directly via bank transfer using the following information found through the following link https://glasulvietii.ro/doneaza/
Account (Cont USD): RO84RNCB0178156773130003
SWIFT Code (Cod SWIFT): RNCBROBU
Recipient Name: Asociația Glasul Vieții
Alternatively, donations can be sent to Emma Sandu via Venmo (@Emma-Sandu; last four digits: 9486), and she will ensure they are forwarded in full to Asociația Glasul Vieții.
FAMILY
Eugenia SanduMother
Vasile SanduFather (deceased)
Terri Burgess SanduWife
Lila and Emma SanduChildren
Ionela Filote (Doru)Sister
Petrisor (Tatiana)Brother
Gabriela (GeorgeSister
Marian (Mihaela)Brother
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