Andrew "Andy" Lagomarsino

Andrew James Lagomarsino (Andy) passed away suddenly at his home in Pittsburgh, Penn., on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Andy was born on Dec. 29, 1977, in Tulsa, Okla. He spent his childhood years in Irvine, Calif., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and ultimately Anchorage. He completed high school in Anchorage and joined the U.S. Navy. After his service, he returned to Anchorage and pursued his adventurous side with rock climbing and volunteered as an EMT with Chugach EMS.

His interest in EMS took him to his post high school education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his degree in paramedic medicine. His professional career in EMS followed with jobs with San Antonio City EMS, Guardian Flight EMS in Fairbanks, and ultimately to the City of Pittsburgh EMS.

His family stated, "Those of us who knew Andy loved him for his spirit of adventure, sense of humor and joy of life. He truly loved being outdoors and spent his time rock climbing, fly fishing, and riding his Ducati superbike."

Andy's kind spirit and gentle heart is evidenced by his many dear friends and his closeness to family. He valued the time he spent visiting is parents and loved being the "big brother" to his brothers and little sister.

His caring and compassion is evident in how much he loved those around him and in his choice of a career as a paramedic. He was an outstanding medic and crew chief, who loved helping those in need. Andy is survived by his extended family, including his father and stepmother, Jim and Tracy Lagomarsino of Anchorage; his mother and stepfather, Patty and Terry Thompson of Coeur d'Alene; his brothers, Rob Lagomarsino and Brandon Weir; his sister, Cydney Lagomarsino from Alaska; and his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his hundreds of close friends and co-workers in Pittsburgh, Coeur d'Alene and Anchorage.

We will all miss his bright smile, caring heart and offbeat sense of humor. The world was always a brighter place when Andy was around.