Andrew Amendolare

On Friday, November 14th, our father, Andrew Angelo Amendolare, unexpectedly sailed off into the sunset where, with certainty, he was greeted as a friend by his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. His departure is deeply felt by his family members as well as a close circle of friends. He was eighty-six years old. Andrew was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nicholas and Rose Amendolare. The eldest of three sons, he grew up surrounded by an extraordinary collection of Italian aunts, uncles, and cousins who instilled in him the values of love, compassion, dignity for oneself, and a respect for others. Their influence on his character was perhaps captured best by his senior yearbook, which said of him that, “He has a strong hold on life.” It is an accurate depiction that remained a constant force that carried him throughout the years that followed. During the Kennedy administration, Andrew served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CV-15), where his service placed him at the center of pivotal moments during the Cold War. As Plane Captain and Crew Chief for HS 7, his squadron engaged in direct conflict during both the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A particular point of pride for Andrew was his role in America’s early space program. He and his HS 7 crew led the splashdown recovery operations for Mercury astronauts John Glenn and Gus Grissom, directly supporting the nation’s first steps into human spaceflight. Taking part in those missions remained one of the most meaningful honors of his naval career. While home on leave, Andrew met Nena Surace, the woman who would change the course of his life. He liked to joke, “For me, it was love at first sight. For your mother, not so much.” Thankfully, for their future children, Scott, Tegan, and Erin, Andrew won Nena’s heart, and they married in 1962. Their marriage endured for more than six decades, lasting until Nena’s passing in 2024, a testament to the strength and devotion that defined their partnership. Together they lived a faith that was never limited to Sunday mornings; it was the steady rhythm that shaped their days and guided their choices. Service in the church wasn’t an obligation for them, but a way to build community, welcome others, and strengthen the bonds within our family. Their home in upstate New York meant being surrounded by that spirit. They hosted bible studies, prayer meetings, and evenings filled with worship music. Friends brought their instruments, and Nena greeted everyone with her homemade pizza. Those gatherings were moments of joy that defined family life. Over the years, they served the church in many capacities: as Eucharistic ministers, religious instructors, and directors of the youth music choir. Each role was another expression of their belief that faith should be lived generously and shared freely. Among their most cherished memories was establishing the Easter Sunrise Mass on the beach with the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Indialantic, Florida. It is a tradition that continues to this day. Andrew had an immense love for his family. He was their north star, voice of reason, moral compass and teacher. A man of wit and humor, he was the adult in the room, a trusted confidant, and an ever-present help in a time of need. He was an avid woodsman, hunter, and fisherman; a fine artist, skilled woodworker; and a first-rate furniture restorer. He loved WWI aviation, music, the writings of Herman Hesse, and the timeless grit of golden-age westerns. He was also a proud graduate of Rollins College. As a child, he overcame Polio; as an adult, he beat Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Yet, in a way that fits him perfectly, he passed in a moment of pure joy while eating breakfast. Our father Andrew personified both goodness and strength. He will be sorely missed. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity.

Andrew Amendolare

May 1, 1939 - November 14, 2025