Generous, loving, curious, hopeful, animal-lover
A people person, Andrew had an undeniable presence. With an easy smile, sense of humor, and an intuitive awareness of those around him, he made people feel seen and valued. Whether at work, among friends, or with family, Andrew drew others in with his warmth and charisma. He was known for his thoughtfulness, and ability to connect with others from all walks of life.
From a young age, Andrew loved being active and outdoors. His early years were filled with fishing, hiking, and biking, and as he grew older, he embraced an impressive range of hobbies and sports, including hockey, soccer, skiing, golf, hunting, poker, and bowling. Of all his interests, golf remained his favorite.
Andrew’s playful spirit was evident throughout his life. In high school, he once “kidnapped” a teacher’s beloved pen and issued a mock ransom note demanding the entire class receive A’s for its return. Wanting others to feel included, he bought a rose for his girlfriend’s best friend on Valentine’s Day so she wouldn’t feel left out.
His relationship with the love of his life, Tiffany, was the foundation of his adult life. Their high school relationship turned into a bond that endured for over 25 years. They created a life together sharing vacations in Cancun and the Catskills and cherished time with their son, Ethan, now eleven. For Andrew, becoming a father was his proudest accomplishment. He relished taking Ethan to fishing derbies and involving him in projects, like working together preparing his parent’s home for sale in their retirement.
Andrew was always a helper. When his sister, Carrie, had her first child, he was there to help with her newborn. He also volunteered as a coach for Special Olympics sports, where his kindness left a lasting impact still remembered by some athletes today.
Andrew had an ability to succeed in almost any job. His personality made him well liked by co-workers and supervisors. Andrew started as a high school busboy and eventually had a long career in hospitality, working as a bartender, hotel beverage manager, and night auditor. Prior to his addiction, Andrew had dreams of owning his own hotel. After leaving treatment, his plans were to stay in recovery, be the father Ethan deserved and someone Tiffany could rely on. Instead, Tiffany and Ethan’s lives have changed forever.
The disease of addiction “turned our kind, funny, and helpful Andrew into a person we no longer recognized,” his parents, Norman and Susan stated. Addiction robbed him of his joy, clouded his judgment, and alienated him from those who loved him most. It changed his personality, a once thoughtful and funny person became angry, selfish, and difficult to reach. For his loved ones, especially Tiffany and Ethan, the pain of watching him spiral was profound.
Getting Andrew the help he needed proved difficult and frustrating for his family, who felt Drug Court and his sober living arrangements were inadequate. “We were astounded to find that neither the landlords of the house, nor the supervisor/counselors were vetted before opening a sober living home,” his parents said. “There is no oversight of the operations once the sober living house is opened.”
Andrew’s family misses his presence at family gatherings and holidays, his interactions with Ethan, his sense of humor, his smile, and his jokes. Most of all, they miss the conversations they can no longer have.
Andrew’s parents, Norman and Susan Small, provided the information for this narrative, along with Ethan’s mom, Tiffany.
December 17, 1982–July 15, 2023-Age 40
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
