Andrew R. Sifflard

Andrew Robert “Andy” Sifflard was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Andy passed away peacefully, at the age of 90, at his home in West Chatham on December 9, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Andy was born on October 21, 1934, to Velma and Andrew Sifflard.

Andy grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. He met the love of his life, Barbara Schlosser, in high school. Their enduring love story began in those formative years and blossomed into more than 67 years of love and marriage, filled with shared adventures and unwavering devotion.

From an early age, Andy had an entrepreneurial spirit. His first job was when he was only 12 years old, selling fruit and vegetables off the back of a small truck. A graduate of Rutgers University in 1956 and a proud brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Andy embarked on a distinguished 25-year career in management at Scott Paper Company. During these years, Andy and Barbara moved to many parts of the country as their family grew. These homes included Englewood, NJ, Grand Rapids, MI; North Olmstead, OH; Medfield, MA; and Wallingford, PA where they created lifelong memories and lasting friendships along the way.

In 1981, Andy followed his entrepreneurial instincts and founded his own consulting business called HEED – Human Effectiveness Executive Development. Together, Andy and Barbara found immense success in this endeavor which specialized in leadership development within the grocery and chain drug industries.

Cape Cod became Andy and Barbara’s “happy place” when they built a cottage in South Harwich in 1968. Then in 1981, they moved to their “forever home” in Chatham. They named it “Eagles Nest” in honor of the beautiful sea eagles, called Ospreys, that would soar over Bucks Creek.

Andy was deeply connected to his community. During his 40+ years in Chatham, Andy was involved in many town committees and organizations. He lent his leadership to the First Chatham Charter Study Commission. Andy was also the Chairman of the Chatham Municipal Building Needs Committee. In this role, he assisted in planning for the new fire station, police station, and the development of the Community/Rec building.

Andy positively contributed to each town he lived in and was known as a leader who made things happen. Andy’s greatest joys were his family and the sea. Whether boating, teaching his children to sail, beaching with friends (sitting on the boat while everyone else was on the beach) or simply enjoying the beauty of Cape Cod, Andy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. His long-time passion for boating began with teaching himself to sail in the 1970’s on his scorpion sailboat, the “Barbara G”, which led to his membership in the Chatham Sailing Club, where he qualified to sail up to 38’ sailboats in Nantucket sound. Following this, he transitioned to power boats and joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1989. Andy was involved with operations, as a Coxswain, for over 31 years conducting over 100 search and rescue patrols with his wife and sons on their vessel “Eagles Quest III”. Andy was also very accomplished as a leader in the USCG Aux organization starting as a flotilla staff officer for Flotilla 11-01 in Chatham. He was then elected Flotilla Commander in 1994 where, under his command, Flotilla 11-01 was recognized with the prestigious award of “Best Flotilla in the Nation”. Andy went on to be elected Division Commander of the Cape and Islands.

Andy and Barbara enjoyed many years of travel throughout Europe and enjoyed adventures with dear friends along the way. Their favorite place of all was Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui where a piece of their love story will always remain.

Andy was known for his quick wit, infectious smile/grin, and unshakable devotion to family, leaving an impression on everyone he met. Andy is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, along with his children: William Sifflard (Susan) of Hudson, NH; Donna Drury-Heine (Robert) of Loveland, OH; James Sifflard (Nancy) of Norwell, MA; and Judilyn Pizzella of Hingham, MA. He was pre-deceased by his sons in law Micheal Drury and Don Pizzella. He was the proud grandfather of Ryan Sifflard; Meghan Fitzgerald (Michael); Andrew Sifflard (Molly); David Drury; Ashley Brust (Mark); Adam Sifflard; Stephen Sifflard; and Barbara Pizzella. Andy’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Camden; Hadley; Logan; Sadie; Will; Eleanor; and Theo.

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14th, at Nickerson Funeral Home (87 Crowell Road) Chatham MA. Visiting hours are from 1-2pm with a brief ceremony at 2pm led by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A burial will immediately follow at People’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to United States Coast Guard Foundation, which supports Coast Guard members and their families.

Andy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, leadership, and service will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.