Andrew Judd

1924 - 2023

ANDREW (ANDY) JUDD

April 11, 1924 June 4, 2023

San Francisco Andy was born in Usk, WA on April 11, 1924 and passed away June, 4, 2023 in San Francisco, CA. One of eleven children, he was a first generation American of Swiss-German heritage. His father was a dairy farmer and Andy grew up working on the family farm. He graduated from Valley High School in Spokane, WA in 1942 and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID until he enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. He served as an electrician on the USS Gambier Bay which was sunk during the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. To quote from the Presidential Unit Citation given to all survivors by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz The history of the United States Navy records no more glorious two hours of resolution, sacrifice and success. Andy received a Purple Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation, Four Battle Stars and other numerous honors for his bravery during combat. He survived three days on a life raft in shark infested waters after his ship was sunk. After the War, Andy moved to Bakersfield and worked as a floor manager at Booth's before opening his own business, Andy Judd's TV and Appliance, on Kentucky Street. He was a consummate salesman and loved interacting with many loyal customers over his 36 years in business. He was a member of the 20-30 Club, Westchester Lions Club, and a member of the National Appliance and Radio Dealers Association where he served as Vice President and President. He was a devoted father and grandfather and a good friend. After he retired he loved to travel, play the ponies in person when he could and online when it became more difficult to travel. In his final years, he worked on a jigsaw puzzle every day to keep the mind sharp. His final two decades were spent in Northern California close to his daughter Julie and his final four years were spent at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Community Living Center where his service to his country was recognized and honored daily.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Anne Dolan of San Rafael, his step-daughters Victoria Jane Ray and Celia Lee Hazdovac of Bakersfield, nephew Tom Judd of Clovis and niece Arlee Olson of Corvallis, OR along with many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A military service will be held Friday, October 6 at 1:00pm at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA where he will be interred alongside his brother Henry who died on the battlefield in France during WWII.

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