Armando Gomes Andrade Jr.

Armando Gomes Andrade, Jr. died at the age of 70 at his home in Waterbury on Thursday, August 10, after a long illness.  Armando, born in 1952, was the son of the late Armando G. Andrade, Sr. and Lenora C. (Whedbee) Andrade White, and was a lifelong resident of Waterbury.  In his later years,  Armando became a faithful and dedicated member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and was baptized in May 2010.  As a member of the Waterville Congregation, he regularly attended services at the Kingdom Hall, either in person, or virtually when he became ill.

Armando was educated at both Walsh and Webster Schools in Waterbury and then entered Kaynor Technical School for his secondary education.  There, he completed both business and automotive classes. He ultimately received his diploma upon graduation in New Jersey and then completed courses at Springfield College in Springfield, MA.  During that time, he worked at the Renaissance Treatment Center as a substance abuse counselor. He later received an award for establishing a men’s group to counsel those recovering from substance abuse, and in 2009, retired as a substance abuse counselor from the APT Foundation in Bridgeport, CT.  As a young man, Armando was credited with saving the lives of 2 young boys from their burning home, and commended for his heroism in the March 22, 1985 edition of the Waterbury Republican-American.

Among the activities that Armando treasured was a lifelong enjoyment of jazz music, and he very often attended jazz festivals all across the Northeast.  He was an accomplished musician, playing the clarinet, the saxophone as well bongo drums and he shared his love of music with his children.  In addition, he always displayed a deep caring and affection for his dogs, including Gypsy, as well as Baron, a German Shephard, and the American bulldog, Achilles.  Armando was adept at training and breeding dogs as well.

Armando is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Suzanne (Goulet) Andrade and by three children, Malik Ameer Andrade of Chicopee, MA, Kenyetta Bonita (Andrade) Alston of West Springfield, MA and Camille Aja Andrade of Willimantic, CT.  He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Armand Weathers in 2019 and by his younger brother, Joseph King Andrade in 1983.  He is also survived by his step-father, Wallace White, who loved him dearly.  In addition, Armando leaves to mourn his passing two loving sisters, Lenora Caroline Whitaker (Earl) of New Haven, CT and Charlotte Bonita Andrade of Waterbury, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 12 nieces and nephews, as well as a host of cousins and dear friends.  Armando will always be remembered as a caring person who valued his family deeply.  He looked forward to a time when the words of Revelation 21:4 will be fulfilled and sickness and death will be done away with. That is a promise that he taught during his ministry and to anyone who would listen. He leaves a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 2670 North Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06704. Viewing with be held from 1-2pm and the service will follow at 2pm. James R. Sanders, Funeral Director, and Colonial Funerals are handling the Funeral Arrangements.