Gary M.

D'Andrea

Gary M. D’Andrea (1951–2026)

“I don’t care. I’ll be dead!”

That was Gary M. D’Andrea’s characteristically pragmatic response whenever anyone asked about his wishes after death. Gary, 75, died on September 12, 2026, in Vero Beach, Florida, the place he loved. Born in Miami on June 28, 1951, he was raised in Connecticut before returning to Florida after college. He built a career directing and managing mosquito control programs throughout the state before retiring early.

Gary was a hardworking, determined man with a scientific mind, a practical outlook, and an independent spirit. A bit of a hippie and a lover of nature, he enjoyed his aquarium and plants, followed the New York Giants and Yankees, and was a passionate follower of world events and politics. He always remained passionately engaged with the world around him and never lost his strong opinions, particularly regarding the Cheeto-in-Chief.

A stroke early in his retirement brought significant physical and communication challenges, but Gary never stopped striving to live as independently as possible. His resilience, discipline, and grit always remained defining parts of who he was.

Gary was widowed several years ago by his wife, Louise “Hedda” D’Andrea, whom he married in 1980. Together they raised two sons, Nick and Tyler. Hedda, with support from her siblings, helped him through the early years after his stroke. In his final decade, his son Tyler provided Gary the support he needed, and the two grew especially close, sharing a relationship built on mutual understanding, acceptance, and plenty of goofiness.

One of the most special relationships in Gary’s life was with his grandson, Henry, now age 6. Despite their respective communication challenges - Gary’s aphasia and Henry’s developing speech - the two understood each other in a way that was unmistakable to those around them. They loved being together and felt safe and accepted in each other’s company. Photos and videos captured their happiness, including one of Henry sitting on Gary’s lap as he reclined in his chair, wearing an enormous smile that said everything.

Gary will be remembered for his determination, work ethic, love of nature, sharp mind, and wonderfully unconventional personality. Even after his stroke made words harder to find, he had his ways of expressing himself. “It’s wonderful,” delivered sarcastically, could say plenty. And his trademark ratings of C-minus, C-plus, or B-minus applied to just about everything, even things he genuinely enjoyed.

Gary may have been indifferent about his post-life, but he cared about living life on his own terms. He leaves behind Nick, Tyler, and Henry, along with memories that are funny, complicated, tender, and entirely his own.

And if Gary were here to review this obituary, we suspect it might earn a B-minus - which, coming from him, would be a pretty good review.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home

An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com