David William D’Andrea

David William D’Andrea

June 7, 1954 – August 19, 2021

 

Mr. David William D’Andrea peacefully passed into the arms of the Lord on August 19th, 2021, in his home surrounded by family after a short, but courageous battle with lymphoma at the age of 67.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of nearly 38 years, Barbara Jo (née Knapko); his son, Jon and his wife, Jessica, and grandsons Luke and Jake (Austin, TX); his daughter Rebecca and her husband, Christopher Beck, and grandsons Kyle and Garrett (Nassau Bay, TX); sister Lucia and husband Kelley Bishop (Wichita Falls, TX); and brothers Joseph and wife, Nancy (Carolltown, PA); Thomas and wife, Frances (Lexington, KY); Mark, and wife Alice (Dunedin, FL); and Victor Brian and wife, Dana (Los Alamos, NM); brother-in-law, Richard Knapko and wife, Lynn (Indiana, PA); sister-in-law Rebecca Jones, and husband Richard (Pittsburgh, PA); as well as a multitude of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all over the country. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Paul and Marjorie McGee D’Andrea; in-laws Frank John and Dorothy G. Knapko, and nephew, Brian Bishop.

Dave was born in Spangler, PA on June 7th, 1954. He graduated from Northern Cambria High School in 1972 and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1976 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity and met his lovely bride. Dave moved to Texas in 1978, and married Jo in September of 1983. After over 20 years of dedicated service, Dave retired from AVAdek in June of 2019.

He was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay and served in many roles there. Dave was also an active member and past president of the Nassau Bay Homes Association, past president of the Nassau Bay Nautical swim team, and a past member of the Bay Area Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association.  Dave was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it and gave his time to others.

Dave was an avid outdoors-man, spending his time fishing with his family, friends, and anyone else who wanted to go. Dave spent hours on woodworking projects in his garage, hiking on the trails outside Austin, going on golf cart rides around Nassau Bay, and relaxing in his hot tub with his grandsons. He also would take annual ski trips with close friends throughout the United States and Canada.

More than anything, Dave was a devoted husband, father, and “Papa” to his four grandsons. Dave never considered himself “retired” but rather a “Professional Papa”. He loved his “buds” more than life itself, and his memory and legacy will be carried on forever through his grandchildren and his family.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their excellent care, attention, and dedication during Dave’s three-month journey there.  Dave was hopeful research from his rare case of lymphoma might be helpful in the fight against cancer and help a family in the future not have to lose a loved one.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 30th, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX 77058. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. CDT followed by the service beginning at 11 a.m. CDT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or to MD Anderson Cancer Center, specifically for Lymphoma Research.

For those wishing to watch the memorial service at Gloria Dei as it is livestreamed, please follow this link: https://gdlc.online.church/

19 comments

  1. To Becca, Chris, and family,
    Don and I wish to express our deep sympathy for the loss of your beloved dad, Papa, and husband. His was a life well lived and the memories he created with his children and grandchildren are his legacy to all of you. God bless you all.

    Janice (Warner) Kinney
  2. Dave’s picture just took my breath away. His light, his love cannot be extinguished. I miss him already. Dave please find Kim and your Mom, they and many others have been lovingly waiting for you. Love, Paula

    Paula Tomasi
  3. RIP Cousin. You were always in the best spirits. That’s how I’ll remember you. We laughed and laughed. God bless you and yours.

    Steve

    Stephen D'Andrea
  4. Growing up with Dave and his sister and brothers was a rare honor as their cousin. Years sharing time with them at Christmas with our grandparents in Saint Louis, visiting them in Spangler, PA. and joining them at the lake house were times I will always cherish. Dave would call sometimes when Debbie and I lived in San Francisco and elsewhere in the U.S., come for a visit and this was always a welcome event. We loved having him join us. His smile and laughter I will never forget, and there was always some mischief we might get into with my dad. Later it was wonderful to get to know his lovely wife and children. What a special man, father, husband, and friend that Debbie and I will miss greatly. Our deepest sympathies and condolences in your loss.
    Love Curt and Debbie.

    Curt McGee
  5. My cousin Dave was one of a kind! So charismatic with that great full-faced grin that no one will be able to forget. My earliest memories of him were family reunions at my grandparents home in Webster Groves, MO. There were alot of shenanigans for sure. Through the years, our families always lived far apart, so it was always extra special to be able to spend time together. He came to Louisville a couple times, one of them to experience The Kentucky Derby with one of his best friends. He also made the special effort to attend my wedding which meant so much to me. Last time I saw Dave was at Aunt Margie’s memorial service and the get together afterwards. He was his usual jovial sweet self. Thanks for all the laughter, sweet cousin Dave! Rest in peace with the angels! My sincerest condolences to Jo and family and to all my sweet cousins.

    Kimberly K Clements RN
  6. Dave, you were a friend from our earliest days here in Nassau Bay. You showed us what it meant to care about your community and neighbors. Your light shined bright over so many. You will be missed, but your gifts remain and we are all blessed by having known you. May you rest in peace

    John Mahon
  7. Jo, Jon, Becca, and your families,
    Dave exuded genuine care for everyone, in every arena. His legacy is far reaching. May the hope of our LORD and the embraces of dear friends and family provide comfort, strength, joy throughout the months ahead. Our condolences and tender sympathies for each of you as you grieve.

    The Hale family
  8. Papa Dave was one of the kindest people I have ever come to know. His legacy will live on in Jon and Becca (my daughter-in-law) and his four grandsons. Even though it was my son who married his beloved Becca, he and Jo lovingly welcomed me as part of their family. Dave’s wit, smile, and laughter will be missed.

    Emily Warner
  9. Condolences to Dave’s family. I am very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a very special friend to me in high school. I will never forget the difficult times he helped me through. He was a very kind, special person. Sending prayers for comfort.

    Janice (Babiak) LeChene
  10. Dearest Jo and family,
    Words can’t express. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
    Becky Roberds

    Becky Roberds
  11. D’Andrea family, Condolences doesn’t express the deep feelings that Dave’s loss of life causes in so many whose life he has impacted over the years. For me, from childhood to adulthood he was a true friend and very special gift to so many.

    Debbie Lentini
  12. I am so sorry for the pain you are all feeling and the loss you are suffering. My God hold you in his hands to comfort you.

    Pamela Maxwell
  13. I went to school with Dave for just one year in the 9th grade at Bishop Carroll. In that one year, we became close friends. I begged him not to transfer. I was the QB and he played wingback. He was tough as nails. Dave used to love to stay over at my house in Loretto. On three or four separate occasions, he and I would sneak out at night and hang out with the college students in the JFK Center. A number of years ago, my wife and I had lunch with Dave and Jo in Baltimore. It was like we had never skipped a beat. We were invited to visit them in Texas. I wish we had gone. Since that lunch, Dave and I shared text messages and family photos for about three years. It was so obvious how much Dave loved his family My deepest condolences to all of Dave’s family and friends. May my friend rest in peace.

    Tony Melanson
  14. We are so sorry to hear of your loss….we had many great times sitting along poolside with Dave watching our kids. Such a kind heart and heaven defintiely gained an amazing angel. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

    Kurt & Teresa Otten
  15. Jo and family our hearts are saddened for the loss of your wonderful husband, dad and papa. Words cannot express the loss you must be feeling but he is in the presence of God and his family who has been waiting for him. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all and we are saddened for the loss of such a lovely man.

    With love and sympathy to you all.

    Bill and Susan Taylor

    Bill and Susan Taylor
  16. May God Bless David’s family at this time of mourning! David had an awesome spirit it was always a joyful moment when you had the pleasure to see and talk with David! I always felt enriched after seeing him!

    Rocky D Engberg
  17. Jo, I just learned of Dave’s passing. The phone call from MD Anderson last month was priceless, Classic Dave… upbeat..positive and joyful. Love, Julie and Jim

    James P Keenan
  18. Dave was a great guy. I knew him because he was my customer and friend for many years. He gave the company I worked for and managed a hugh opportunity when we were still a small company. He was the only person/customer I would quote complicated jobs for, as he was driving down the road, on his verbal instructions. Everyone else had to send a drawing. I trusted that knew what he was doing even when driving down the road. Dave was a kind soul. I missed him when he retired and am sorry for his passing. May God bless Dave’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.

    Cherry Stephens
  19. Dave and I were fraternity brothers at Indiana University of PA, Theta Xi. We were in same pledge class in 1973 and had many a great memory. Dave was great fun, an outstanding personality and a “true” brother for sure as the frat bonds go.
    I am proud to have been a friend and am so sorry to hear about his loss. God Bless Jo and family and cherish Dave’s memories.

    Dick Mogle

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