Andy married the love of his life Nicole and they were set to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary in November. Together they raised two wonderful children, Drew (20) and Nancy (15), and shared their home with an array of pets including Bingham the pig, Beatrice the cat, Capriccia the dog, Donald the cat, and many other fury companions.
High school sweethearts, Andy and Nicole began their journey together at just 16 years old. They shared a bond that went beyond love – they were each other’s person and best friend. To their children, Drew and Nancy, Andy wasn’t just a father, he was their best friend and always present with humor and love.
Andy had many passions in life but was mostly known for his fishing. This love began as a young boy when he would go fishing with his grandmother Susan Miklochie, and it followed him his entire life. As a teenager, Andy would fish off the causeway and bridges with his friends and enjoyed fishing all over the bay as he got older. Andy loved going on the boat for over 24 hours at a time, causing Nicole to worry and even calling the Coast Guard once!
When not fishing, Andy loved playing video games, playing piano, had an amazing green thumb and grew their own vegetables for many years, and more recently over the past three years he was heavily involved in working out and becoming fit. Andy’s goal was to be as healthy as possible so he could live a long life with his wife that he adored.
Although he had many passions, nothing gave him greater joy than caring for and being with his family. He was an exceptional cook and filled their home with warmth and love. His dedication to Nicole and their children was the cornerstone of his life. Every Monday and Friday night the family of four would gather in their living room to watch WWE, amidst their busy schedules. Andy took Drew to numerous WWE events, making unforgettable memories and strengthening their bond.
Andy is survived by his beloved wife Nicole; children Drew and Nancy; parents Alan and Carol Novak; sister Rebecca Novak Ashman (Daniel); Parents in law Gordon and Nancy Tunstall; Father in law Richard Sheppard (Roni); Sister in law Natalie Callahan (Josh); Brother in laws Gordon Tunstall (Emel) and Todd Bright, and nieces and nephews Daniel (Tessa), Lauren (Taylor), Noah, Seth, Hannah, Samuel, Gabriel, Caleigh, Gordon, Reese, Fenton, Josie, Maddie and Jackson.
Andy is blessed with a large extended family including aunts and uncles - Judy Schiavo, Tom and Inga Mikloiche; Kathy and Jack Chearmonte, George and Rena Longo, Nelson and Paulla Sebra, Frank and Julie Longo, and Terry and Janice Kori, and numerous cousins.
Andy was met in Heaven by his grandparents Thomas and Susan Mikloiche and John and Elise Novak; Uncles Ronnie Novak and John Novak; Aunts Carol Ann Novak and Debbie Martins; sister in law Heather Bright; and his beloved dogs Penelope, Annabelle, Bob, Brobee and Muno.
Andy’s legacy is one of devotion and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed but remembered forever by those who had the privilege of knowing him. A memorial service will be held on October 29, 2024 with visitation at 12pm and a service at 1pm at the Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood. Graveside service will follow at 2pm at Lutz Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.13.0