André René Echevarria

André René Echevarria, affectionately known as “Andy”, had a passionate fun-loving outspoken spirit. He was a God-fearing man who cherished his family and friends. Andy was known for his charismatic energy that would light up any room. His bravery, resilience, tenacity, and his faith allowed him to navigate through multiple health challenges, encouraging all of those who knew him. Andy lived his truth and best life unafraid and proud with dignity, grace, and charm. Andy was a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.

 André R. Echevarria, affectionately known as “Andy” to his beloved friends and family, gained his Angel wings on Friday, January 1, 2021, when, at the age of 60, he passed away at Westside Regional Medical Center Hospital in South Florida due to complications related to COVID-19.  Though he will be greatly missed, his family finds solace in his triumphant return to his Heavenly Father, where he has reunited with his loving parents.

Andy was an Aquarius and a proud “Nuyorican” from the Eastside of Brooklyn, New York. He was a natural leader and caretaker of his family from an early age. Andy was the oldest of three boys. Andy was a hard worker, earning his Associates Degree and working as a Financial Consultant at a large Wall Street financial institution before moving to Sunrise, Florida in 1989. He moved to offer his children better educational opportunities and to co-parent with his children’s mother, Sandra Hughes. Andy often shared, with great pride and humility, his inspiring story of starting as a mailroom employee who worked “his way up”. Andy made sure to instill the same work ethic in his beloved children.

Andy was also known as the life of the party! Andy found great happiness in entertaining his family and friends and creating memories with his loved ones. Whether it was cooking dinner or experiencing something new, Andy was always ready for a good time.  His originality

was known to radiate any situation and impact people’s lives with every interaction, big or small.  He loved to travel, theater, music, dancing, and dining out with his very particular palette.  Andy was a connector of people and will always be remembered for his ability to engage and captivate anyone he met with his authenticity and unique way of making anyone feel comfortable. Whether it was his smiles, hugs, jokes, encouraging words, direct comments, unsolicited opinion, sailor mouth, or unpredictable comments, Andy was truly one of a kind!

Andy deeply loved the holidays, especially birthdays and Christmas.  He was well known for his Christmas gatherings, holiday decorations and always have a gift under the tree for everyone.  Andy was well-known for remembering family member’s birthdays consistently with no calendar alert and calling individuals to sing the birthday song in English and Spanish.  Even while at the hospital battling COVID-19, he managed to call family members for their December birthdays.  Loved ones have repeatedly shared their experience from his call as one of their favorite memories.

But for all of his many achievements, Andy’s greatest joy and love was his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Andy modeled unconditional love and always taught his children to create memories and enjoy every moment of life with no regrets. Andy was so proud of his son and daughter. He boasted proudly about what an honorable man and amazing father Jason had come to be. He jumped at any opportunity to spend time with Jason and his grandchildren. Additionally, always with great pride, Andy loved to talk about Lisa and all of her accomplishments as a strong independent woman. Andy was always fascinated with watching Lisa engage with children in her role as “Titi Lisa”. Andy’s love for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable. Andy was always vocal about how appreciative he was for the blended and loving family environment he and Sandra created. Andy’s family was truly his greatest joy and his profound light and legacy will live on through them.

Andy’s love for his mother was unconditional. He loved his mother fiercely and proudly became her caretaker for several years, dedicating his life to her wellbeing until her homegoing. Andy was also blessed with the love of his longtime partner and husband, Rolando Rodriguez. Andy and Rolando shared companionship and love for life that inspired many.  Anyone in their presence could instantly tell they were true soulmates. Rolando’s favorite memory of their love story was the first valentine's day they spent together. He remembers decorating their home with heart-shaped balloons and Andy being mesmerized. Rolando also recalls the first time Andy professed his love for him during their first vacation to Puerto Rico, where Andy told him that he wanted to be with him forever. Andy’s admiration and love for Rolando will forever live on.

Andy is survived by his longtime partner, soulmate and loving husband, Rolando Rodriguez; his beloved children Lisandra Yvette Echevarria, Andrew Jason Echevarria, and Siahara Curbelo; child of love, Samuel Joseph Rios; his brothers Robert Echevarria and David Echevarria; his nieces Nicole Marie Echevarria, Monique Lydia Rodriguez, Ruby Echevarria, Davida Fulton; his nephews Joshua Echevarria and Markis Lovridge Miller; his grandchildren, Janysa Lynn Echevarria, Andrew Jason Echevarria Jr; Alex Curbelo, Jeremy Curbelo, Siaharalynn Curbelo; Great-grandchildren, Matthew Curbelo, and Zephaniah Curbelo; and many other uncles, aunts, cousins, and family. Andy was preceded in death by his father René Echevarria and mother Carmen Lydia Clemente.

This beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Godfather, Cousin, Mentor, family member, and friend will be fondly remembered as one who lived a full and loving life.  May his soul rest in eternal peace.

“He was so brave and courageous.”
“His love was unconditional in nature.”
“We would pick up right where we left off all the time.”
“He was such a fighter, a true survivor.”
“He changed my life with how he lived his life.”
“He would tell you like it was, good or bad.”
“He was such a family man.”
“He was superman, the man with nine lives.”
“His actions were always grounded in love.”
“I am going to miss his jokes and comments.”
“His birthday calls were my favorite.”
“Andy loved Rolando, Jason, and Lisa with all of his heart.”
“Andy’s world was his grandchildren.”
“He is at peace now that he is reunited with his mother whom he cared for so greatly.”