Bernard Antonio Andrews

Bernard Antonio Andrews

February 19, 1956 – July 4, 2026

Bernard Antonio Andrews was born on February 19, 1956, in New York City. He was the first of two children born to Antonio and Maud Andrews of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Bernard was baptized in the Roman Catholic faith, made his First Communion, and served as an altar server, beginning a lifelong foundation of faith, service, and responsibility.

As a child, Bernard learned to swim at the Boys & Girls Club in his community. His natural ability in the water led him to local and state swimming competitions, and later to summer work as a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach.

Bernard attended Aviation High School from 1971 to 1974, where he participated in the wrestling team, swim team, and chess club. After graduation, he was invited to complete an intensive post-graduate aviation program, earning his Airframe and Powerplant certification. He later continued his education at City College, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While in college, Bernard worked full time at Curtiss-Wright as a Chief Tester, commuting to the company’s Woodbridge, New Jersey plant. During his freshman year at City College, he met Renee. After five years together, Bernard and Renee were married in 1981. Two years later, they were blessed with their first son, Jeremy.

Bernard was recruited by Avco Lycoming, later known as Textron Lycoming, in Stratford, Connecticut, during his senior year at City College. Just two days after graduation, he moved to Connecticut to begin the next chapter of his career. Between 1991 and 1995, Bernard and Renee were blessed with three additional sons: Shymar, Tobias, and Emery.

When Textron Lycoming closed its Connecticut operations and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, Bernard was offered a relocation package. He chose instead to remain in Connecticut, believing it was in the best interest of his family. That chapter ended on a Friday, and by the following Monday, Bernard began a new chapter at Pratt & Whitney.

Bernard was a man of faith, discipline, and quiet strength. When life became heavy, he would often say, “Lord, I ask not for a lighter burden but for a stronger back.” He credited his mother, Maud Andrews, as his first love and a source of his faith and strength.

His life reflected service not only to his family, but also to his community. Whether through fostering and adoption, serving on boards, helping children, working long hours, or going to Mass even while on vacation, Bernard lived with purpose. When asked why he gave so much of himself, his answer was simple: “I do it because I can.” When asked why others might not do the same, he would say, “If it was easy, everybody would do it.” And when there were no easy answers, Bernard remained guided by his faith, often saying, “I have to answer to a higher authority.”

Bernard’s legacy is one of devotion, perseverance, humility, and service. He was a loving husband, devoted father, faithful Catholic, trusted friend, and quiet example of strength to all who knew him. He gave without seeking recognition, worked without complaint, and lived with a deep sense of duty to God, his family, and those placed in his care.

He will be remembered for his faith, his wisdom, his discipline, his generosity, and the steady love he gave to his family. His life was a testimony to responsibility, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in God.

May Bernard Antonio Andrews rest in the eternal peace of Christ.

A celebration of Bernard's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Saint Martin De Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM with a funeral service to follow. Following the service, burial will take place at Beaverdale Memorial Park 90 Pine Rock Avenue, New Haven, CT 06514. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.

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