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Andrew John Telesca Jr.
1947 - 2020
Andrew John Telesca Jr.
1947 - 2020
Obituary
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Andrew Telesca Obituary
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, Andrew J. Telesca Jr., loving father of two, grandfather of two, and husband passed away at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness. He was born November 7, 1947 in Port Chester, NY to Andrew and Virginia Telesca.
While serving in the U.S. Air Force, mostly in telecommunications, Andy was stationed in Germany. After serving four years he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant in 1972. He received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Science Education from the State University of New York in Oneonta, specializing in Physics. It was here that he discovered his love of astronomy, which became a lifelong passion.
In 1974 Andy married Lauren Kop, and together they raised a daughter, Heather, and son, Andrew III. He was a physics (and occasionally earth science) teacher at Johnson City High School. Andy was appointed an adjunct lecturer in 1981 at the State University of New York at Binghamton, primarily teaching Astronomy for the Physics Department until 2014.
Andy was a member of many professional organizations including the Science Teachers Association of New York State where he served as president from 1997-1998, and was made a fellow in 2000. Additionally he was a member of the NYS Science Education Leadership Association, and NYS United University Professions. He worked on the Physics Core Curriculum for NYSUT, and was a Solar System Ambassador for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Andy and Lauren moved to the Seattle, Washington area in 2018 to be near family. Getting to know his grandsons, teaching Sage to play checkers and watching golf with little Rowan on his lap, made him extremely happy.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Lauren, children Heather and Andrew, grandsons, Sage and Rowan, his brother, John, and several cousins and a nephew. There will be a celebration of life at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions
Ashes to ashes, stardust to stardust. Andy shared his love of all things astronomy with family, friends, students, scouts and even his physicians. His spirit is now winging its way around the galaxy, and getting near those distant bodies he loved to find in his telescopes. He fought hard, with dreams of teaching his grandkids about the sun, moon, planets and stars. He taught us well, we will do that for him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Timothy Howard
May 24, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the Telesca family. Andy (I'd like to think he wouldn't mind the informality) was my favorite teacher and I have fond memories of both class and chess club. His efforts set me up for success in my career in the Navy and now as a field engineer. I'd also like to think he'd chuckle when I admit, he was right, I should work harder. He will be missed.
Tim Carson
May 20, 2023
A great teacher, a cool "Chess Club" coach at JCHS, and a wonderful person. Thank you for everything.
the Kinsleys
May 30, 2020
Dear Lauren and family,
We are so sorry. You are all in our hearts. Sending you prayers, love and hugs. Dave was a student of Mr. Telesca's at JCHS. We have made a memorial donation to Kopernik Observatory in Andy's name. In sympathy, Dave, Jackie, Jake, Sprout, and Scooter Kinsley
Jon Nale
May 29, 2020
Andy was my cooperating teacher in 1999 when I student taught in his JC Physics class room. He was a class act! Always encouraging and sharing of himself and his resources. A kind gentleman. I would cross paths with him up until a few years ago at the start of BU semesters. My condolences to his family. He was a blessing to me.
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Tim Carson
May 29, 2020
A great teacher and a great person. Plus...he coached the chess club! RIP Mr. Telesca!
Ken Turner
May 29, 2020
Lauren, Heather and Andy. I always appreciated Andys love of teaching, of his family and the passion he had for learning. He was a truly dedicated professional who inspired my own children as well as many others. He passed on his passion to his own children, who it was also my pleasure to teach. It was an honor to be one of his colleagues. A wonderful man and an inspirational teacher. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Andy.
Kathy Fuller
May 29, 2020
Andrew was kind enough to share his love of Astronomy with the Boy Scouts at Camp Tuscarora and with the 4th grade students from Susquehanna Environmental Camp. Thank you, Andrew.
John Wacendak
May 28, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. Mr Telesca was a great teacher in my school. . He made Physics fun and enjoyable. He encouraged me to pursue my career. He will be missed. JC Grad 1984
Joe Ciotoli
May 27, 2020
Lauren, Heather, and Andy Jr.; so many fond memories from my time at JC working along side Andy. We solved many of the worlds and JC's problems together during our free periods! His family was always first in Andy's astronomical mind. RIP my friend and God bless you all.
Teri Spalik
May 27, 2020
Offering my sincere condolences. Mr. Telesca was my Johnson City HS 1980 Physics teacher ... he made learning about Physics FUN! May he rest in peace.
Arnold Serotsky
May 27, 2020
Andy was greatly committed to the profession of science education in many ways. He led by example, both in the classroom and in his leadership roles in professional organizations. He will be missed by many.
Arnie Serotsky,
Past President of STANYS, 2009
Charmian Foster
May 27, 2020
Lauren, Heather and Andy,
So sorry to hear about Andy. Thinking about you at this time. I fondly remember Andy as a teaching colleague, mentor, my professor at Binghamton and a friend. His reflective nature and sense of humor were steadfast in the science department. He left an astral legacy for sure.
Julieanne Rucky Marra
May 27, 2020
One of my favorite teachers at JC!! May his memory be eternal.
Jeanette Samuelson
May 26, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Andy when teaching and subbing at JCHS. He was so interesting and helpful. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, but when I look up at the heavens will think of him always!
Alice Jason Enevoldsen
May 26, 2020
Mary Paden
May 26, 2020
Im from the JCHS Graduating Class of 1991 - Mr. Telesca was my physics teacher and was one of the best teachers Ive ever had. He was so passionate about physics and would always have some sort of wild physics demonstration to show us in class. He made physics FUN! He was always smiling and had such a positive impact on so many students throughout his career. He brought joy wherever he went! My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Gail Petrick
May 26, 2020
My deepest condolences to you and
your family Lauren
Ken Seneschal
May 26, 2020
We met as advanced amateur photographers in the early 70s. Andy and Lauren were friends and frequent visitors to my store. We also shared a love of music as Andy was an accomplished guitar play and I was a wish I was. They were there when the camera store became mine and were might first sale. After Andy and Lauren graduated and sought work in Binghamton, our schedules made visiting difficult. We lost touch in the late 70s but reconnected years later. Andy will always remain that spirit that brought passion and excitement to his craft. I admired the dedication to standing out in a dark meadow on top of a hill in February in Oneonta with below zero temperatures just to get some pictures of a passing meteor shower. Freezing to death in the middle of the night did not offer the same excitement to me but seeing the photo was always fun. I am glad to say I knew Andy and will think of him when I look to the night skies. Our love goes to Lauren and the family.
Renee Karaim Farris
May 26, 2020
Andy was a warm, caring and wonderful man. I enjoyed working with him at BU from 08 to 13. During those years I was lucky enough to learn some astronomy from him! I was blessed to know Andy.
Jonelle kop
May 26, 2020
He was such a gentle soul! I miss him dearly!
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