Andrew Michael Stankiewicz, 71, of Colleyville, Texas, tragically passed away on October 8, 2023, near Atlanta Hartsfield Georgia Airport while on a trip to visit his youngest daughter. He was born on February 21, 1952, to Charles Wallace Stankiewicz and Hildegarde Sarah (Papp) Stankiewicz in Norwich, Connecticut. The middle of three sons, Andrew grew up alongside older brother Charles, and younger brother Russell, graduating from Norwich Free Academy.
Andrew served two years as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Seattle-Tacoma Washington Mission. He met his first wife, Susan A. Burton, while they were attending Brigham Young University together. They were married in the Manti, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 22, 1975. Andrew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) with high honors. Together they raised seven children, finally settling in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. Andrew and his second wife, Merinda, shared a son and created many memories together. His third and final wife, Teresa “Tairi,” shared a daughter with Andrew, and she brought many unique experiences to his life.
Andy, as he was known to friends and associates, was a mechanical engineer, having worked at American Airlines for approximately 35 years; he knew the ins and outs of all the aircrafts and was the go-to guy for many complicated projects. He also served as union steward for almost 15 years where he was instrumental in resolving conflicts and fought for the underdogs to have a voice. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, and enjoyed spending his free time as an avid amateur herpetologist.
Andrew was a complicated man, but loving father nonetheless. In his final few years, he spent countless hours volunteering at his LDS church, working in the local Dallas Temple, researching genealogy, and overall bettering himself so he could reconnect and build relationships with his many children. He had a kind and generous spirit, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His wild sense of humor and often inappropriate jokes would bring a warm smile, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, validated and loved.
Andrew is survived by nine children: Michael C. Stankiewicz (Heidi), Rachael A. Burton, Daniel P. Stankiewicz, Jeremiah A. Stankiewicz (Amanda), Amanda D. Stankiewicz, Peter J. Stankiewicz, Thomas A. Bandley, Joshua D. Stankiewicz, and Sara E. Stankiewicz. He leaves behind a posterity of eight grandchildren: Brinley, Hannah, Presley, Amelia, Meredith, Megan, Merci and Keaton; and one great-grandchild, Saij. Further survived by both brothers Charles J. Stankiewicz (Cynthia) and Dr. Russell J. Stankiewicz (Barbara). He was preceded in death by both his father, Charles W. Stankiewicz (2006) and mother, Hildegarde S. Stankiewicz (2013).
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on November 1, 2023, 11:00am, at the LDS Colleyville Stake Center, 500 W. McDonwell School Rd., Colleyville, TX. Friends and family are invited to attend to share their memories and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Texas Herpetological Society in memory of Andrew Stankiewicz.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the support and condolences received during this difficult time. Andrew will be dearly missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Stankiewicz family.
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