Andrew Walter Benedict

Throughout his life, Andy maintained a laid-back and playful demeanor. He enjoyed games of all types, especially board games, and never sacrificed amusement for competition. Andy was a varsity ice hockey player in high school and a devoted Washington Capitals fan. He loved nature and being outside, enjoying hiking, golf, tennis, and other leisurely activities. He also regularly attended concerts, festivals and entertainment events of all kinds. Andy graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. His professional experience included scientist roles at I2Pure, DuPont, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. In conversation, he was uniquely engaging and would routinely discuss curious topics like "how paint is coated on molecules” and “why soap works”. His charisma would particularly shine when describing his research experiments that were often conducted in his home lab. He had a gift for explaining complex processes in simple terms and excelled as a teaching assistant during his graduate studies at ODU. Andy brought much joy into the lives of family and friends and his legacy of enjoying each moment will endure with them. His intellect, insatiable curiosity, playfulness and wit will be greatly missed. He is survived by his twin brother, Jason; older brother, Reggie; mother, Bettie; father and stepmother, Daniel and Patrice; uncle, Scott; and grandmother, Phyllis. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations in memory of Andy to the following organizations he was passionate about: 1. Lynnhaven River NOW - Donations will support Lynnhaven River NOW in identifying and reducing sources of contamination in our waterways and to restoring lost habitats such as oyster reefs, salt marshes, native plants, forests and other buffers that help to filter polluted runoff and protect our waterways and their marine life. 2. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center - Research & Conservation Fund - The Virginia Aquarium is at the forefront of marine conservation research in both direct involvements and through global partnerships. From AZA initiatives like the Species Survival Program and SAFE, to coral restoration work with SECORE and university projects, the Aquarium plays a vital role in this important work.