Andrew and I met in Okinawa. After he returned to the United States in 2020, our lives became busy and we lost contact. I deeply regret this.

I heard of his death from a friend this spring. They were unable to tell me the truth. It took us a long time to accept it, and memories of 2018 kept coming back to us.

I can only imagine how unbearable the grief must have been for Andrew's family.

We became friends while I was stationed in Okinawa in 2018 and spent a short time together. Andrew quickly became close to my family and friends and became a favorite of ours. Since Japanese people affectionately add "chan" to names, we called him "An-chan."

Andrew was a very serious person, but he always tried to excite those around him, and his surprises were always a huge success. He sent us beautiful cards for birthdays, Christmas, and Valentine's Day, and we all felt so happy. Before my niece was born, he suggested a baby shower, which is rare in Japan. It was our first experience, and we all had a wonderful time.

Even the smallest of events are precious memories of Andrew. For example, I ate too much at lunch that day, so we decided to take a walk around the shopping mall before going home. I also remember him saying he was going to babysit a friend's child that week. He was the best babysitter ever.

The time we spent together was truly wonderful, and my friend in Okinawa will never forget Andrew.

He was always positive and thought seriously about life.

We grateful to have met Andrew.

Our condolences.

With best regards,

Kumi Oshiro 

I just drove past Lima, PA and I was bombarded with Andrew’s memory. I can’t express the strangeness of it all, because I haven’t heard from him since the early 2000’s. We had what I would consider a “pen pal” sort of relationship. This was around the time when he was a volunteer firefighter. We met online through either AOL or yahoo instant messenger. From the day we started chatting, the conversation was always easy. He was quite humorous, passionate, kind, and so respectful. He definitely made a lasting impression on me.

We lost touch around 2007, and through the years I have wondered about him from time to time. However, today was the first time I was able to remember his entire name. Unfortunately, my search has lead me here. It pains me to see such an outstanding human was taken so soon, but I am certain he made the most of the time he had.  

I shared this today in hopes that it will bring some form of peace knowing he made another person in this world happy, without ever even knowing them in person. I wish you all the best.

Regards,

Aaron P. Burns

Andrew was one of my closest friends growing up together through garnet valley and DCCC until I dropped out of college in 2004.  Andrew was as John already stated humble, quiet, and full of virtue; I'd like to add bashful, modest sense of humor, supportive, compassionate, accommodating, and can be particular at times about food.  The most distinct memories I have of Andrew are hanging out with him and our crew in the mornings before the morning bell at school, hanging out during our favorite and best subject (lunch) with our clique, slacking off during learning support, and Andrew  going to the range with us on Friday nights sometimes.  Andrew and I also hung out quite a bit during our first year at DCCC and our classes lined up; he would often times drop me off at my parents' house on the way back to his mom's on Shavertown.

Andrew was an amazing friend and I am eternally thankful that I was able to be a part of his life growing up and for a short time after high school while Andrew was transitioning from fire fighter to marine.  I used to bust his stones about being a "GI" or government issue which would always make his cheeks red as he got annoyed.  One of my few regrets in life is not keeping better contact with more people from our crew from GV and showing more affection and appreciation; Andrew will be SORELY missed. 

Thank you for your friendship and thank you for your service.  Rest in peace.