Richard F. Andrews

Richard F. Andrews, also known as Richard Felix Andrzejewski, died on October 2, 2022 at 88 years of age. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years Gail (Appler) Andrews. Richard leaves behind his four children Pamela Andrews, Michael Andrews, Cheryl (John) Schuerman, and Susan (Mark) Koss. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Kassandra Semrau (Justin Taseski), Chelsea Semrau, Ethan Schuerman, Sydney Koss and Ashlyn Koss and great-granddaughter Anna Taseski. Richard is predeceased by his father and mother, Felix and Victoria (Machcinski) Andrzejewski, and his sister Dolores (Stanley) Pielack. He leaves behind sister-in-law Joan (Appler) Houtakker and brother-in-law Glenn Appler and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was the first-born grandchild in both his mother’s and father’s large families. From a very young age Richard was a skilled accordion player, often playing live for a local radio station. When he was only 11 years old, he volunteered to help during World War II. Naturally he was turned down by the military but was offered a job by the Office of Civil Defense to make sure all the household lights in his neighborhood were turned off during air raid drills. Later, Richard graduated from St. Benedict’s Catholic High School in 1952 and then attended the University of Detroit. He served in the Army as a missile launch crewman and later served in the Army Reserves. Along with his uncle Leo Machcinski, he owned and operated the Port Austin General Store in Port Austin, Michigan. Richard later owned and operated the Dick Andrews Insurance Agency in Utica, Michigan and served for many years on the Employee Civil Service Commission for Shelby Township, Michigan, ensuring fair treatment for employees. Richard loved nature and he and Gail spent many years of their retirement living in Tennessee enjoying the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and loved jazz music. He enjoyed politics and was a frequent contributor to radio talk shows and newspaper editorials. He loved spending time with his family; telling stories, sharing riddles, and was quick with a witty comment or joke. Richard enjoyed cooking and shopping with his wife. His larger-than-life personality and kind spirit will be deeply missed by so many. Richard's family will receive family and friends on Thursday, October 6 at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road, (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica from 2-8pm. Instate 9:30am on Friday, October 7 at St. Kieran Catholic Church 53600 Mound Road (Btwn 24-25 Mile Road) until time of mass at 10am.

Richard F. Andrews

October 29, 1933 - October 2, 2022