Obituary of Andrew R Uivary
Andy passed away peacefully at 91 years of age on February 21st, 2024 at NewSeasons at New Britain personal care in Chalfont, PA, where he and his wife Charlotte have been living for the last year.
Born in 1932 to Andrew A. Uivary and Theresa (Milkovits) Uivary in Northampton, PA, Andy was a proud 1st generation American, and the second youngest of 13 siblings, 10 of whom lived to adulthood. Growing up in a big, close-knit family shaped his priories of faith, family, resourcefulness, respect, and industriousness. He stayed close with his siblings, nieces and nephews throughout his life.
His independent nature led him to Trinity University in Texas as an Army ROTC student, and there he was involved in student government and met lifelong friends. After graduating from college in 1956, Andy spent 2 years in active duty in the Army artillery, during which time he was stationed primarily at Fort Bliss Texas, followed by 6 years in the reserves. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1964 as a 1st Lieutenant. While he was on active duty, he performed missile testing at White Sands, and spent time in Colorado, Mexico, and Panama. He enjoyed sharing memories of his adventures in college and the army with his daughters and his grandson.
After returning to Pennsylvania, he lived primarily in the Philadelphia suburbs. He accepted a position at American Olean Tile Company in Lansdale, PA in 1960, and had a long, happy career there that spanned almost 30 years. Andy made many lifelong friends through his career, including one who became family by marriage, and another who grew into a trusted advisor and travel companion to Andy and his wife, Charlotte. He was proud of the job he did as Director of Planning, and the fact that both of his daughters also worked at “The Tile” during summers while they were in college.
Andy found the most joy in his relationships with loved ones, and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married his wife Charlotte (Alexander) on November 30, 1963. They had 2 daughters, Amy and Kate, in 1965 and 1966, respectively. He was a very involved parent, including being a member and officer of the PTO. The family enjoyed many vacations over the years, which often included spending time with cousins or friends – favorite destinations were Ocean City, NJ; Williamsburg, VA; New Hampshire and Vermont. He and Charlotte also traveled both in the U.S. and internationally with friends later in life. After raising Amy and Kate, Andy and Charlotte helped Kate to raise her son Scott, welcoming him with open arms, and providing another generation with the opportunity to grow up in the beautiful family home Andy and Charlotte treasured in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Andy generously shared his time, talents, and resources with friends and family. He was always ready to listen and to give advice, and always willing to pick up his kids, even at 3 AM in his pajamas. He had a green thumb that he inherited from his mother and loved the outdoors. He had an active mind and loved to talk about history, news, politics, and ideas. He was a long time, involved member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church. He put the needs of those he loved above his own, and he never gave up on anyone or anything he deemed important. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
Andy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Charlotte; his daughter Amy Lloyd (Roger); his grandson Scott Lukens (Alicia); his sister Vilma Guimes; sister-in law Jackie Uivary; many nieces and nephews who spoke with him often; and friends he made through church, work, wine-tasting, and just being the kind of person who would strike up a conversation with anyone.
He was predeceased by his daughter Mary Kate Lukens; brothers Stephen Uivary and John Uivary; sisters Theresa Luerschmidt, Julie Uivary, Anna Nemeth, Rose Meixner, Ella Loki, Stella Budihas; and Mary, Helen, and Nancy Uivary.
A viewing followed by a funeral Mass will be held at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Plymouth Meeting, PA on February 29, 2024 at 10 AM. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lownes Funeral Home in Lafayette Hill, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Epiphany of Our Lord R.C. Church or Hospice Angels Foundation. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at NewSeasons at New Britain and to Hospice Compassus for their excellent care and loving support.
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