ANDREW REIGEL Obituary
Andrew J. "Andy" Reigel of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Hampton Twp. and Fox Chapel, died on October 23, 2011. Andy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 3, 1966 and was the beloved son of Dr. Donald H. (Gay) Reigel of Hampton Township and Ann Klebs (Fred) Albitz of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Dear brother of Christopher D. (Jennifer) Reigel, and beloved step-brother of Carin (John) Constantakis of Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Also survived by step-brothers Steven (Tammy) Albitz of Dallas, Texas, and Christian (Stacey) Albitz of Cleveland, Ohio, and their families; uncles, James (Susan) Reigel of Green Bay and Ronald (Joan) Klebs of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Also surviving are numerous cousins in Wisconsin and elsewhere. He was the beloved "Uncle Andy" of Colin, Carly, Kyle and Kendal Constantakis of Hampton Township and appreciated by countless friends who loved and respected him. Andrew was a 1985 graduate of Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel, PA and an honors graduate of The University of Pittsburgh. Arrangements are entrusted to SPERLING FUNERAL HOME and services of praise for Andrew's life and interment will be private for the family. These few sentences conclude the noble and respected life of a man who, for 27 years, battled bipolar disorder with great valor that elicited the love and respect of everyone. Our love for Andy knows no boundaries and we give thanks now, for his long over due peace. Gifts in memory of Andrew may be made to Shady Side Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Condolences may be left at www.sperlingfuneral.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Amy S
December 6, 2011
One of the kindest souls. Someone who helped me remember to slow down, be quiet and listen...because with Andy, it was always worth doing. I always loved hearing what he had to say. Your Pittsburgh family will miss you.
mary grassi
November 14, 2011
Dr Don and Gay
I am very sorry to hear of the death of your son. He looks a lot like you!
You are in the thoughts and prayers of an old friend.
Mary Grassi
Scott Reichert
November 2, 2011
Andy was my friend. I will miss his company dearly. Andy didn't say much, but what he did say was wise and will be treasured in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Adrienne Wehr
November 1, 2011
A prayer for peace for Andy and his family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ken Foley
November 1, 2011
I was fortunate enough to be friends with Andy in Shady Side Middle School. He had a unique way of seeing the positive side of any situation. Because we rode the same bus home, we had plenty of time to get to know one another. I remember seeing him drag his saxophone case everywhere and asking him if it was cumbersome. He'd always say "no" because he loved music so much.
A few months a go I saw his profile on Facebook and was happy to see he was doing well. I'd planned to drop him a line during the holidays to reconnect. Now I regret waiting.
Andy, wherever you are, please know that there's at least one person who's life was made better by your friendship. I'll miss you dearly...
Matthew Rice
October 29, 2011
If you're lucky enough to understand the phrase "Shoe snag on Veg!", perhaps in between tears you can have a laugh while appreciating the life of one of the more brilliant and hysterically funny people this world will ever know. This is simply heartbreaking.
I still have Andy's first bass, a Vantage that he sold me in 1981, and I had for so long thought about giving it back to him just to enjoy the look on his face. That I waited too long is a shame.
I'm trying to think of other people I've known about whom it's impossible to say something negative. It's an exceptionally short list, and Andy is on it.
My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Farewell, my friend. Be free.
October 29, 2011
I will miss your wisdom and hugs Andy. Always enjoyed hearing you speak, and especially when you grinned and shared that subtle laugh. Heartfelt sympathy to
your family..and your words live on in
our big family throughout the Pittsburgh area. Love and Peace, Deb W.
Mary L
October 29, 2011
Andy was a great partner in our volunteer work together. I loved the way he would appear so shy, then come out with such hilarious quips. Peace, Andy.
Joe & Sheila Krill
October 28, 2011
Andy was one of the nicest and most sincere people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be greatly missed.
Glenn Berkey
October 28, 2011
What a horrible loss of a gentle, intelligent soul. Andy's popularity was stunning and eminently deserved. The stands were packed for wrestling matches in 1984-5 -- I don't think anyone cared about wrestling, but we loved the wrestlers, because we loved Andy. RIP, my friend.
Jane (Joo) Haggerty
October 28, 2011
Andy was one of my all-time favorite people. We shared a lot of good times in the Music Department of SSA. His friendship will always be cherished in my heart.
Andrew Golomb
October 28, 2011
Further testament to the fact that the most amazing people in life all leave us far too early. Andy was truly a remarkable person--incredibly smart, a gifted bass player, a great wrestler, great football player, but most of all, as good a friend and nice a guy as they come. His courage was inspiring. I feel lucky to have shared the many, many great experiences we had. I will miss you, my friend, but will never forget.
David French
October 28, 2011
Please accept my deepest condolences. Andy was a rare indvidual; he had the maturity to understand the world, the intellect to change it, and the wry humor to make profound sense of it.
bill mcclements
October 28, 2011
Don and Gay, prayers and deepest sympathy. i always enjoyed Andrews visits to my office. i had some great laughs with him.
Bill Mcclements
Michael Thompson
October 28, 2011
My deepest condolonces to Andy's family and friends. I shared many fond memories with Andy growing up and attending SSA together. He had a great intellect, a great sense of humor and a graceful soul. I will miss him.
Rick Davis
October 28, 2011
Andy was a good friend and a terrific person. He was caring, unassuming and decent. I know that he fought with his own demons for a long time and pray that he is now at peace.
David Easler
October 28, 2011
What a terrible shock. I am not going to be alone in saying Andy is one of those people who will be fondly remembered even by those who long ago lost contact with him.
I remember a quietly intelligent person who could be a friend student and mentor all at once. Andy also had the rare ability to be confident yet completely decent and unassuming at the same time. Of all of the burgeoning guitar players in high school, Andy had a singular talent and dedication; while the rest of us were buying gear and trying to emulate something or someone, he was being a musician. I remember trying to keep up with his gentle conducting and cues while we faked our way through a Wes Montgomery tune in his basement. Andy was leading and knew where we were supposed to go. I didn't.
His well deserved peace is indeed overdue but what a tragedy to have him gone just the same.
My deepest condolences to Andy's family and his many friends.
Joy Ammer Irwin
October 28, 2011
We will truly miss you Andy. It was a blessing to be your friend and grow up with you. We had some great times at SSA. You were a smart man - a great musician, scholar and athlete. May you now find peace.
David Easler
October 28, 2011
What a terrible shock. I am not going to be alone in saying Andy is one of those people who will be fondly remembered even by those who long ago lost contact with him.
I remember a quietly intelligent person who could be a friend student and mentor all at once. Andy also had the rare ability to be confident yet completely decent and unassuming at the same time. Of all of the burgeoning guitar players in high school, Andy had a singular talent and dedication; while the rest of us were buying gear and trying to emulate something or someone, he was being a musician. I remember trying to keep up with his gentle conducting and cues while we faked our way through a Wes Montgomery tune in his basement. Andy was leading and knew where we were supposed to go. I didn't.
His peace is indeed overdue but it is a tragedy to have him gone just the same.
My deepest condolences to Andy's family and his many friends.
Renee Rosensteel
October 28, 2011
Blessings and peace be upon Andy and all of you. He had a good heart.
Rick Davis
October 28, 2011
Andy was a good friend and confidant and I just cannot believe that he is gone. I know that he wrestled with his own demons and I pray that he, at long last, has found peace.
Marnie Curry
October 28, 2011
I am so sad to learn of Andy's death and yet relieved to hear that he is at peace. In high school Andy proved himself to be a sweet boyfriend. I loved his sensitivity, his passion for music, his commitment to wrestling, and his maturity. I saw him last in 2005 and I was amazed at his sharp memory! He had me laughing about a night that we had run across train tracks and across a bridge to get to a Gateway Clipper event leaving from Station Square. Andy was an incredible man. I am better for having had him in my life. I send his family love and strength and trust that on the invisible side of life, Andy is free at last.
John Moyer
October 28, 2011
I will miss you, my friend.
Chip Shenkan
October 28, 2011
We will miss you Andy. You were a very talented person scholastically and artistically not to mention one of the kindest souls I have ever met. It was an honor to grow up with you. God bless you Andy.
Your friend Chip
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in ANDREW REIGEL's name
How to support ANDREW's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor ANDREW REIGEL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
