Andrew J. Vavreck
02/23/2016: Andrew J. Vavreck of Lake Mary, FL, passed away knowing he was so dearly loved and will be immensely missed by so many. He was an incredibly kind, selfless, generous and beloved husband, father, grandfather, a mentor to many…and a friend to all.

Andrew was born in Hawk Run, PA to the late Andrew J. Vavreck, Sr. and Barbara Rusnak Vavreck. Andrew is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret Leigey Vavreck, and by his children, Mark A. Vavreck, Joli M. Vavreck, Nicola Vavreck Tuttle and husband Kenneth, and his "greatest pride and joy", his grand twins, Karter Ashton and Karoline Alexandra Tuttle, all of Lake Mary, FL.

Andrew was one of twelve siblings. He is preceded in death by his brother Joseph B. Vavreck, sisters, Anna Vavreck, Josephine Vavreck, Elizabeth Kushner, Barbara Sedlak (all of PA) and Agnes Kolosky (OH). Andrew is survived by brothers, Benedict Vavreck (Betty)(PA), Martin Vavreck (Joanne)(OH), sisters, Marie Tarbay, Sr. Barbara Ann Vavreck, SSJ, and Bernadette Johnson (all of PA). He is also survived by sister-in-law's Yvonne Wright (Richard)(PA), Annette Flood (Andrew)(NY), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Andrew was no stranger to hard work, and his unwavering character and humbleness showed that he truly never lost sight of his roots. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. Francis Catholic University (PA). He began his professional career in Public Accounting at the global accounting firm of KPMG. After several years with KPMG and after living in Germany and France, he moved south. Andrew graduated with his master's degree and doctoral studies in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. While at the University of Georgia, he oversaw the Auditing Division for the University. Andrew served as President of the Georgia Education Association. One of his greatest passions was as a professor when time allowed. He also found great joy in tutoring the Georgia Bulldog football players with their accounting studies.

Andrew went on to hold the Director of Financial Affairs position at Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL and was then assigned to senior management as Vice President of Seminole Community College in Sanford/Lake Mary, FL. In this capacity, Andrew fostered numerous key working relationships across the local and state government sectors, banking, several architecture, engineering, and construction & development firms. Andrew was an influential and highly regarded professional, a visionary within the State of Florida & the Capital-Tallahassee community known for his proactive approach to fostering quality growth, implementation of environmental & energy management systems, but most notably for his proven ability to consistently direct an entity in an un-auditable and financial crisis, to being the best in the state with surplus carry-over. He was a key pioneer in the development of several growth, development and construction projects working across both the private and public business sector, most notably in the expansions of the two additional campuses located in Altamonte Springs and Oviedo. He was also instrumental in lobbying the support and funding for expansion of the college's highly rated law enforcement academy modeling it after Florida State University's program, particularly the establishment of the Geneva Shooting Range, while working in conjunction with all Florida law enforcement agencies.

Andrew was a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Beta Alpha Psi, and admitted to the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Florida College Business Officers Council where he served on the Florida State Council for Handicap, and the Florida State Department of Education. Andrew served his community in a multitude of capacities: United Way's Board of Directors, served on several Boards/Committees for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, various committees for the City of Lake Mary and Seminole County, member of the Lake Mary-Heathrow Chamber of Commerce, and was an honorable U.S. Military Veteran.

After retiring, Andrew continued his consulting practice part-time to area community business entities focusing on financial services and insurance, but his greatest priority was the immense bond and time he shared with Karter and Karoline. He ensured that his grandchildren had the ultimate loving Christian home, education and the opportunity for them to follow their individual passions; Karoline's accomplishments playing competitive tournament golf and Karter playing soccer/tennis or solving a computer technical problem. To him no accomplishment of his ever compared, or could bring more show of pride or a gigantic smile to his face, than these two little people. They feel profoundly blessed to have had the priceless time, his loving guidance daily and precious memories of twelve years with their "Pop-Pop". He will forever hold a very special place in their hearts.

Andrew was truly a follower of God in every aspect of his daily life, a dedicated family man, and a die-hard avid supporter of the University of Notre Dame, Fighting Irish Football since a young boy, and the University of Georgia and Bulldog Football. During the fall season, it was a given that Saturdays were most definitely "reserved" for football.

He will be remembered as a highly effective leader with subtle persistence, who faithfully led by his unwavering example of honesty, straight forwardness, fairness, and genuine compassion for each individual he encountered.

A funeral service and a Christian mass are planned and will be announced as soon as Margaret has recovered and is able to attend (Margaret was hospitalized prior to her husband becoming ill and is currently in physical therapy rehabilitation). Andrew was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com

Andrew was a fervent supporter of betterment and opportunity through education. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donating to the Andrew J. Vavreck Memorial Fund, which has been set up to assist with his grandchildren's college education, and for a scholarship to be awarded to a student in-need pursuing a degree in Nursing in the area of Critical Care/ICU.

Donations may be sent to the following address OR be made at any SunTrust Bank branch location:
SunTrust Bank
Account name: Nicola Vavreck Tuttle
c/o The Andrew J. Vavreck Memorial Fund
4240 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Suite 100
Lake Mary, FL 32746

"Our hearts feel such tremendous void and pain, but we are forever grateful for the thousand beautiful memories of such a precious life. We know that Andrew's the ONE giving light to the stars".

The Vavreck and Tuttle families are so thankful to our family and dear friends for the prayers and to those who have reached out to support and offer encouragement during this very difficult time.