Andrew Sua Sun Yee

Andrew Sua Sun Yee obituary, South Hadley, MA

Andrew Sua Sun Yee

Andrew Yee Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 29 to May 30, 2021.
“All of our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

- Walt Disney


Our lives changed forever on Thursday, May 27th with the passing of our beloved Andrew Sua Sun Yee. A man like no other, Andy was known for his vision, charisma, and drive, as well as his generosity, big heart, and his deep commitment to family and community. He lived life everyday to its fullest, dreaming big and determined to leave no stone unturned.

Under Andy’s leadership and vision, the Bean Restaurant Group was established and, as they say, the rest is history. Together with his family, with whom he was lucky enough to work every day, they developed a series of restaurants devoted to his father, Johnny Yee, the founder of the original and iconic Hu Ke Lau Restaurant. These include Johnny’s Bar and Grille, Johnny’s Tavern, Johnny’s Tap Room, and Johnny’s Roadside Diner along with IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen, and the Halfway House Lounge. If juggling pu pu platters, bar food, and sushi was not enough, he decided to take on the schnitzel by forging a strong partnership with Peter Picknelly and the Vann family to purchase the landmark Student Prince and The Fort in downtown Springfield. Andy’s vision and hard work was instrumental in bringing Fort Street back to life. If that wasn’t enough to oversee, Andy then took on Union Kitchen, the Boathouse, the Wurst House, and most recently the historic White Hut. No one loved a good hot dog more than Andy Yee! Andy would always say, “the way to everybody’s heart is through their stomach.” He loved delicious food, being with his customers in his restaurants, and seeing them enjoying their experience. If things would get busy, Andy would roll up his sleeves and get into the action because that’s what he knew best.

Andy loved to be active in the restaurants with his chefs, managers, and employees. So many people can thank Andy for giving them their first job and investing confidence and belief in them. He knew the success of the restaurants was due to their hard work and commitment. He had a sharp attention to detail (including spotting a lightbulb that was out in any of his restaurants), could remember everyone’s name, and treated all with respect. He loved to mentor, coach, and encourage people to follow their dreams and to teach those who wanted to learn about the hospitality business. Recently, Andy was instrumental in helping to establish the Tigers Den at South Hadley High School, a culinary program that offers internships and hands-on learning for students.

Andy would always say he was blessed with the most beautiful family. He leaves his mother, Linda (Mark) Yee; siblings Anita Rondeau (Don), Edison Yee (Audrey), Nicholas Yee (Tami); aunts Anna, Annie, Bonnie, and uncle Billy; and in-laws Robert and Elizabeth Maloney, and brother-in-law Bo Maloney (Liz). He also leaves several nieces and nephews—Sarah, Hannah, Sean, Jonathon, Nathan (godson), and Grace—and a big crew of cousins with whom he made countless memories. Recently, Andy celebrated 20 years of marriage with his beautiful and devoted wife, Sarah Maloney-Yee, renewing his love for her on top of Stratton Mountain. Together, they created their own loving and modern family with Andy’s two children, Tiffany and Matt (Jamie), and their two daughters, Bella and Emma. Andy was also blessed with one granddaughter, Sophia. He adored the family’s two rescue dogs, Daisy and Penelope.

Andy loved his trips to Disney, Rosemary Beach, ski trips to Chamonix, British Columbia, Colorado and Stratton, Oktoberfest in Munich, seeing the Masters at Augusta, and countless cruises because Andy loved a good buffet. The common denominator in all of this is that Andy always made time for his family and friends, creating endless memories, making sand castles that were the envy of everyone on the beach, and cooking the most amazing meals and his signature wings for all to enjoy. It was his way of sharing and receiving the love of those he was with. He didn’t want to miss the events that were important to his children, like field hockey games, theater performances, and morning school drop offs. A kid at heart, Andy would always introduce himself to everyone as the fun dad. You could find him flying at full speed down his street on various sets of wheels, dressing up for Halloween, dancing, and singing his favorite Disney tunes. He loved to capture all of these moments over the years on video and in photos.

Andy always said that “hugs are good for the heart.” Up until the end, his heart remained very strong—full of so much love for those he adored and for those who adored him. Our hearts are broken but forever impacted because of the strength and quality of the love he gave.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Phil Glynn, Nurse Kelly O’Brien—whom Andy referred to as his angel on earth—and the entire teams at Sister Caritas Cancer Center and Mercy Hospital’s ICU for their compassionate care of Andy over the last four years until his final day.

Calling hours will be held at Beers and Story Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street, South Hadley on Wednesday, June 2nd from 2:00-8:00pm; the Funeral Mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Church, 9 Parkview Drive, South Hadley on Thursday, June 3rd at 11:00am. Following the Mass, Andy will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at 271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104, or the Andy Yee Memorial Scholarship fund c/o Westfield Bank, P.O. Box 1626, Westfield, MA 01086. For more information please visit www.beersandstory.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Andrew Yee's Guest Book

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May 23, 2023

Joe Musa posted to the memorial.

June 24, 2022

Doug Tornatore posted to the memorial.

June 4, 2021

The Chunhasuwan Family posted to the memorial.

Joe Musa

May 23, 2023

It is hard to believe that this much time has passed since you have entered the house of the Lord.Andy I have missed you dearly and all the great times we spent at the Huk with your family you were such fun to be with and the laughs we all shared,there is not a day that I don´t think of you, I know you are at peace in the house of the lord.My condolences and go out to your family may you rest in peace, and Andy thanks for memories and your friendship
I will always keep you and your family in my thoughts and Prayers
And a special blessing to my good friend and his family as well Nicki Yee. God bless Andy and this special family
Always
Joe And Cynthia Musa

Doug Tornatore

June 24, 2022

I am a broker in Fairfield CT and I just found out of Andys passing. I am SO sorry for your loss. We talked once or twice a year but my business took me away from Springfield area and i lost track of Andy. I just found out about his sickness and his passing. He was a real gentleman and such a happy human being.

The Chunhasuwan Family

June 4, 2021

Sending our thoughts and condolences to the Yee family. We're so sorry to hear about his passing. May he rest in peace.

Linda Jefferson

June 3, 2021

Thoughts and prayers to the Yee family.
A bright soul and big heart taken to soon.

Andrew,
You will be missed very much. Every time Art and I or the family would come into the HU Ke Lau you were always so pleasant and smiling and very friendly. You made it special for Art and I the day Art proposed to me at the HU Ke lau. Although it happened in the parking lot, you still made our night a special one. We loved seeing you every time we would visit, whether just the 2 of us or with the family. You made everyone welcome and comfortable. Always a good time. You and your friendly and welcoming personality and smile will be missed very much. You and Art and the in-laws will have a great reunion. R.I.P
Linda, Ashely and Shaina Jefferson

Kate Vishnyakov

June 3, 2021

My deepest condolences to Sarah, the girls, and to the entire Yee family.
May your memories always be a blessing.❤

Sean Zygarowski

June 3, 2021

Andy, May the rose rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand...

I’ll never forget our drive with the Dodge Viper at the Huke Lau...

To the entire Yee family, my sincere condolences to you all... Thank you for the endless years of joy you have brought to the community, my family, and beyond... Andy will be remembered with such great memories. We’re all blessed to have known him.

Sean Zygarowski

June 3, 2021

Andy, May the rose rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand...

I’ll never forget our drive with the Dodge Viper at the Huke Lau...

To the entire Yee family, my sincere condolences to you all... Thank you for the endless years of joy you have brought to the community, my family, and beyond... Andy will be remembered with such great memories. We’re all blessed to have known him.

Bobby O’Brien

June 3, 2021

To the entire Yee Family I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Andrew, my heart goes out to all of you.

Kenneth Renaud

June 2, 2021

Well, we had so many memories. Back in the 80s I plowed the parking lot at Hukelau. He come out and say, you eat now. So you bet I did.
Thanks for all the wise words,for that I am very Greatful. R.I.P Andy.

Michael sobon jr

June 2, 2021

Nicky & Family
So sorry for your loss... words cannot expres how shocked i was to hear about Andrew ... I just wanted to let you all know I’m thinking of you and you were in my prayers .. God bless and Godspeed to Andrew

Michael sobon jr

June 2, 2021

Nicky & Family
So sorry for your loss... words cannot expres how shocked i was to hear about Andrew ... I just wanted to let you all know I’m thinking of you and you were in my prayers .. God bless and Godspeed to Andrew

Ana Serrazina

June 2, 2021

We are so very sorry to hear of Andy's passing. What a sweet and genuinely kind man he was. Our sincerest condolences to your family. Love from your old neighbors, Rui and Ana Serrazina

Connie Watson

June 2, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Joe & Margareth Jackson

June 2, 2021

Linda and family,
Joe and I would like to offer our condolences with the loss of Andrew. We will miss him. These two days will be the toughest. Stay strong for each other. Love - Joe & Margareth

Corinne A. Rock

June 2, 2021

Andrew was always someone who made you laugh and feel the joy of life! May we live and love through his example! My heart is with the entire family at this time. You are all my family and I love all of you!
With deepest sympathy,

Corinne Rock

Linda and Phil Bienvenue

June 2, 2021

I first had the pleasure of meeting the Yee family in the early 70's. Andrew was a young boy then, but even then, his kindness and maturity stood out. As I continued to work for the Yee family attorney in Chicopee, I looked forward to seeing them both for business and pleasure. Andrew always greeted me (and my family) as if we were old friends, and even when I left the area, he was always there with a smile and a hug when I returned for a visit. I enjoyed watching him grow into the business icon that he became, yet he never forgot anyone that he met. His joy, his smile, his "hello my friend" demeanor will be greatly missed, not only by his wonderful family, but by the extended family he made. Rest now Andrew. We will miss you!

Timothy Faniel

June 1, 2021

To Edison, Uncle Billy and to the entire Yee family we send our sincere condolences To you. Andy was a pure gentleman. He will be sadly missed. My wife and I would go every Friday for our date night. They would always make us feel like family. We always left with a smile on our face. Never disappointed. They are Just and amazing family entirely. Andy was the best at what he did. It was his ministry and he fulfilled it well. Rest easy my friend !!

Grace McLellan

June 1, 2021

My family and I have been so blessed to know you and your lovely family. I will always remember the trips we took to the Hu Ke Lau,especially the times my father had his fund raisers there. Such a pure,kind soul, he'd do anything for anyone . You were also so generous to my family, as a child I remember referring to you as uncle Andy. You will always be remembered for your generosity, kindness,and your warm hospitable nature. My deepest condolences to your family and our community.
Love and miss you; Gracie McLellan

Suzanne Cote

June 1, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jimmy Mazz

June 1, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Yee family. Rest In Peace my friend.

Karen L Strycharz

June 1, 2021

My deepest sympathy & condolences to Andy’s whole family.... his dear loving wife, children, brothers & sisters plus his huge extended family as well! My heart goes out to you all at your loss! Andy passed away much to young! He accomplished so much in the short 59 yrs that we were all blessed to have him here on earth with us all! Everything that he did in life, he tackled with the same love, caring, ferocity & enthusiasm that he tackled everything in life be it as a husband, father, son, friend or businessman.....” ANDY WAS AN INCREDIBLE MAN WE ALL LOVED & RESPECTED!”
I met Andy yrs ago as Executive Concierge in 1980 at the old Sheraton West Hotel in West Spfld. I sent clients in droves to his restaurant “The Hu Ke Lau”. I moved through to other hotels & into sales Dept at area hotel & always sending clients to his amazing restaurants! He would call & thank me profusely ( my husband & 3 sons adored him) and was so appreciative. I retired many yrs ago but my admiration for Andy continued as I watched his accomplishments & reputation for excellence grow! We would see him occasionally when we happened to catch him at any of his various restaurants my husband & I would go to, through past 15 yrs plus, since my retirement.Andy never failed to immediately come over to greet us and come over to our table to talk awhile. He was truly “just the nicest man!”
My heart goes out to his whole family & it is so hard to believe that Andy with all his “enthusiasm for life”, his family, his many businesses & friends has been “put to rest!” He may have passed but his memory will live forever in his children, the hearts of all who both admired & loved him, plus his many accomplishments!!!! A bright light has gone out of our world when Andy passed but his memory will live forever! Good-night Andy & Rest In Peace, my friend! You will be forever missed! Heaven has gained a special Angel !

Alan Peterfreund

June 1, 2021

It was an honor to know Andy as a fellow owner at Boltwood Walk but more so as a friend. Andy always was one to share joy and a smile. In working with Andy it was always easy as problems were simply opportunities for solutions. I will deeply miss Andy. May his memory always be a blessing to the family.

Karen Pilon

June 1, 2021

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Yee family. I got to know Andy and many of the Yee family when I ran the copy center at Staples in Chicopee. You were all some of my most favorite people to see and work with. Hugs to you all; Andy was truly a great man.

Michelle Bakos (MacDonald)

May 31, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Marcella Mitchell

May 31, 2021

Wow he was a great man

Edward Wong

May 31, 2021

It’s been a very very long time. And I still have fond memories of our childhood, spending the Summer of 77 at the Yees with Andrew, Anita, Edison and Nicky. Your family treated me like one of your own. We were carefree, biking and swimming all day, watching HBO and talking all night till we fell asleep. We frequented the buffet at Ponderosa, there’s only so much chinese food one can eat. We would spend our last quarter at the arcade, before going to work at The Hu Ke Lau, crying as we peeled hundreds of pounds of onions, deep frying buckets of 007s, scrambling to keep up with the dishes, and sneaking past your parents to watch the Hula dancers. Edison, Nicky and I always fought over shotgun in Andrew’s Smoking Red Hot Trans Am, cruising down Memorial Drive, in the summer heat, cranking Roxanne. . . And then, we’d do it all over again the next day. RIP Big Brother, I will miss you.

My Deepest Sympathies to your Family.

Horace Williams

May 31, 2021

To the Family of Andrew Yee, may God be with you during this difficult time. I have known Andrew for many years. I am very proud to have known him and a very good friend.

Symphony Mike

May 31, 2021

Thank you, Andy, for reflecting the bright light of humanity on everyone in your path, and for displaying the rare ability to create instant and long lasting friendships for which I was a lucky recipient. May you rest in well deserved peace.

Marcia Jefferson O’Hara

May 31, 2021

Such a life well-lived! Andy, it was always a joy to see you and your family on our trips back home, that without fail included a gathering of family & friends at the Huke Lau. It is so heartwarming to hear how you impacted so many others and the communities around you as much as you did us, always making time to chat and catch up every time we came in. Sincere condolences to your beautiful family, you are an unforgettable soul! Give our brother Art a big ole bear hug for us, I’m sure he was super happy to see you again!

Matthew Hart

May 30, 2021

hi my name is matthew hart i met andy a bunch of times at the former hukelau in chicopee & at his other restaurants as well he was a all around great person i love all the yee family restaurant's i used to work at the old dockside restaurant in south hadley which is now the boathouse restaurant my aunt wendy & my uncke david hart used to live the next street over from the yee family in south hadley so to the entire yee family from my self & my entire family our condolences & our love goes out to all of you during this very sad time

Laurie Dunn

May 30, 2021

Sarah, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your Family. I’m so very sorry. I remember years ago you first going skiing with Andy and than you both never stopped skiing together. I will always remember the smiles, laughter, and love you had for each other , your Families, and Friends.

Todd Sobon

May 30, 2021

I’m honored and blessed to have known Andy. In this sorrowful time, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Sarah and the entire Yee family. May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.

Carol Dineen

May 30, 2021

My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Yee family. He will be remembered in my daily prayers.
Mrs. Paul Dineen

Cynthia and Joe Musa

May 30, 2021

To the entire Yee Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you, I will miss Andy with all my heart and all the laughs we had at the Hukelau where I first came to know Andy and the Entire Yee Family some 25 years ago, it is with great sadness and love that we write this, Andy until we meet again
God Bless you and your entire family
Cynthia and Joe and Bryan and Ivy Musa

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Cynthia/Joe Musa

Planted Trees

Sue Poulin

May 30, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with you Sarah, the Yee and Maloney family,

Words are difficult to find at this time. This world was a better place because of his caring, generous, fun, helpful and loving ways...guess you can say he was 'a true gentleman'.

Thank you for sharing this great man with all of us, Andy made a difference in so many peoples life. May God and His angels walk along
side you always.

Russell G Centerbar

May 30, 2021

My business career started in 1964 across the street from what soon became the Hu Ke Lau restaurant. As a result I have been fortunate and honored to know the whole family. We used to run into Andy shopping at Big-y and he used to say no matter how many restaurants you own you still need groceries at home. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you Andy will be missed but not forgotten. Russ & Lynne Centerbar

Tiger & Eileen Pare

May 30, 2021

So sorry to hear of Andy’s passing!! Such a great guy to everyone he met!! You are missed already!!

Dan & Cari Dodge

May 30, 2021

A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on.

Our sincere condolences to the Yee family...

Pat Lacey

May 30, 2021

A friend once told me that the best you can do is to leave the world a better place for your having been here. Andy is the poster child of that thought and I am so happy to have shared his journey with his friendship. All our prayers are with his family.

Donna Lemoine

May 30, 2021

Dear Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. We were privileged to have known him. We know he had character and personality that endeared him to all who came in contact with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nothing can take from you the wealth of Wonderful Memories and Happiness that you have shared for many years. Let your faith and courage bring you peace in the midst of this great sorrow.
With all our sympathy,
Wayne and Donna Lemoine
Chicopee Welding

Stacia Filipiak Falkowski

May 30, 2021

I have fond memories of playing my violin at special events for Andrew and his father. They were pillars of our community. My sincere condolences go out to the Yee family. May God help you at this difficult time.

Russell G Centerbar

May 30, 2021

My business career started in 1964 across from what soon became the Hu Ke Lau restaurant. It has been an honor to know the entire Yee family. We use to see Andy shopping at Big y and he would always say that no matter how many restaurants you owned you still needed grocery's at home. Our thoughts and prayers. Russ and Lynne Centerbar. Fairview Service Center. 2012 Dockside plunge

JOSEPH A MAROIS

May 30, 2021

Andy, You have left many dreams to be fulfilled and many who mourn your passing to pursue them, with the love and strength of your legacy.
But your absence leaves a large chasm in all our hearts that cannot be filled. Farewell and may God Bless you and your family. Joe Marois

Duke

May 30, 2021

Never met Andy Yee, but heard many interesting stories of his "Good Deeds" to family and friends. May Andy rest in PEACE.

Rich Levrault

May 30, 2021

Our sincerest condolences..we were honored to care for Andy and his beautiful family...may he rest in God's loving arms.

ICU staff at Mercy Medical Center

Andy Scibelli

May 30, 2021

Sarah and family. I am heartbroken to hear of Andy's passing. I cannot say enough about him, he was truly a one of a kind very special person. A personality bigger than life who always made everyone feel special with that warm and engaging smile that uplifted all.
I offer my most sincere condolences to the whole family. We have lost an exceptional young man. May his soul rest in peace.

Jeff & Sandee Beaulac

May 30, 2021

The world lost a wonderful person, RIP Andy....

Joan sobon

May 30, 2021

To the man who lite up the world with a smile whose presence was always felt and whose friendships he cherished know that no one can take your place To his family know that all of you will be in our prayers as you go thru these very sorrowful times
Love The Sobon’s

ellen byrnes

May 30, 2021

Dear Yee Family, So very sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was such a nice guy and had a lot of vision for the restaurant business. He will be missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time .With our Deepest Sympathies, Ellen and Michael Byrnes

May 30, 2021

Andrew My thoughts and prayers are with you and tour family at this difficult time you were a pillar in our community thank you for all that you and your father had accomplished for the greater good.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE...
SAMMY CALVANESE,

Carole J. Neal

May 30, 2021

Mr. Yee will surely be missed by everyone. I do not know him, personally, but, I feel sadness about his death and sadness for his devoted family, losing him so very young. Many years ago, maybe in the 70's his dad gave me a home to sell for him. He was running his Huke Lau Restaurant at the time, He, also, was someone you would enjoy meeting. Sadly, Carole Neal.

Cherelyn

May 30, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of you and pray for peace and comfort.

JOHN SLACHETKA

May 30, 2021

THE LAUGHS WERE MANY! GOD BLESS, MY FRIEND!

Debra Smith

May 30, 2021

My husband and I were so blessed to have known Andy. Truly one of the absolute most genuine and loving man that we have known. Our most sincere condolences
Richard & Debbie Smith

John Urban

May 29, 2021

To the Yee family please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Andrew. He is at peace now. I’ve known Andrew it seems forever and can say you couldn’t of met a nicer honest respectable man. Like his Dad Jung Tai he was an honorable man. John Urban ret. Chicopee Police Officer

Felecia Agustynowicz

May 29, 2021

So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and your family. May God bless .

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May 23, 2023

Joe Musa posted to the memorial.

June 24, 2022

Doug Tornatore posted to the memorial.

June 4, 2021

The Chunhasuwan Family posted to the memorial.