Andrew Cameron Harris Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Holmdel Funeral Home

26 S Holmdel Road

Holmdel, New Jersey

Andrew Harris Obituary

Name: Service for Andrew Cameron Harris Sr.
Start: 2024-02-06T11:00:00.000Z
Location: Laurel Hill Cemetery

Leader in NJ & National Insurance Industry, Family Man, Board Member of Charitable Organizations, "His Altruism Shone Brightly"
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Andrew Cameron Harris, Sr., affectionately known as "Andy" to those who knew him well. Andy departed this life at the age of 71 on January 22, 2024, at home with his family.
Raised in Livingston, NJ, Andy was the cherished son of Alan Lane Harris and Jean Taylor Harris. During his childhood, he enjoyed many hobbies including photography which became a passion he enjoyed his entire life.
Andy earned a BS in Biology from Marietta College in 1974. It was there he met his beloved future wife, Rosemary Hawkes.
Over his 48-year career in the insurance industry, he made a significant impact on all that knew him. In 1983, Andy took a risk in starting in own insurance agency as a founder of Liberty Insurance Associates, Inc. In 1996, he was chosen as the Professional Insurance Agent of the Year by the Professional Insurance Associates of NJ (PIANJ), served as President of PIANJ in 1998-99, then PIA National President 2012-2013. He was honored with many industry awards by carriers and agency associations throughout his career. Most recently, he was awarded The Presidential Citation from PIA National in September 2023. More importantly, Andy was a mentor to many within the insurance community. He was a strong advocate for continuing education and excellence in the insurance field. He was especially proud to have his son Andrew become the President of his agency.
Beyond his career, Andy's altruism shone brightly in his community involvement, including his work with the CentraState Medical Center Board of Directors, the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Brookdale Community College, the Monmouth-Ocean County Development Council, the FBI Citizens Academy, and as a charter member of the Jersey Shore Chapter of Legatus. He also loved to sail and entertained a great number of friends and colleagues aboard his sailboat, Liberty.
Andy leaves behind his loving wife, Rosemary, son Andrew Jr. and his wife Kim, son Gregory and his wife Melecia, four grandsons (Logan, William, Tyler and Garvey), brother Alan and his wife Dolores, brother William and his wife Patricia, and four nieces.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, February 1st from 3 to 8 pm and to attend the funeral service on February 2nd at 10 am, both to be held at the Holmdel Funeral Home at 26 South Holmdel Rd, Holmdel, NJ.
In honor of Andy's generous spirit, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to IEP Youth Services, Inc., http://www.iepyouthservices.org/waystosupportiep.html, a charity near and dear to Andy's heart.
Andy's warmth, wisdom, and leadership will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.

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

Published by The Star-Ledger from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Harris

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

Stan Markow

April 2, 2024

I first met Andy a little more than a decade ago and I´ve grown my friendship with him, some members of his family, and some of his colleagues over those years through to today. Andy "is" a wonderful person. He is not only successful as a leader in his business and the industry he works in but also as a human being who practices being a civilized and authentic leader throughout every other aspect of his life. Andy is a smart and diligent worker, but Andy lived a full life that many folks will not do using their own determination and motivation. When I was extremely ill several years ago, Andy was a handful of friends who supported me in the toughest and most crucial time of my rehabilitation by encouraging me to focus on first getting better before anything else. He talked to me about health, family, friends, and time, that is, the more important things in life, to help me continue the path to succeed in my own rehabilitation. I distinctly remember when he explained to me how to improve vision in one of my eyes. It´s specific conversations or actions like that where Andy showed great kindness and caring. I can talk about many things Andy did to help me through challenging times as well as simply being an excellent communicator. This is the person that Andy "is," a compassionate human being. Andy is continuing his life in heaven. I´m certain that in addition to watching over his family and friends, the work he is producing will make the next life a better place for all of us. He´s helping God pave the way for all of us to have a safe and successful journey when our time comes to leave this world. Andy, I´m saddened that you left us on earth so soon, but I know that you´re still alive, celebrating and continuing your eternal life with God, and other members of your family and friends who proceeded you in the journey to heaven.

Paul and Cindy Wild

January 30, 2024

We have enjoyed special times together with Andy and Rosemary over many years.
Our children have been friends with Greg and Andrew from elementary school, culminating in the marriage of Andrew and Kim.
Andy was always the "big guy" in the room at family gatherings and always made the occasions more enjoyable with his smile and easygoing manner. He was knowledgeable and a great conversationalist.
You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Andy.

Bob and Helene White

January 28, 2024

Andy has been a friend of mine since high school. He was always an intelligent, kind, and caring person. Andy was always there if you needed help. Over the past 20 years my wife and I, along with two other high school friends, whether in NJ, Sc, Pa, Az or Maine, have tried to have get togethers so that we could maintain our friendship. I have always appreciated, and I will never forget, how during the fiscal crisis of 2009, Andy arranged for his bank to gave a loan to my private school for disabled students when no other bank was willing. You will be missed; rest in peace knowing that you were loved and made a difference in this world.

Jim and Dolores Kreig, Manhattan Beach, California

January 27, 2024

My friendship with Andy and Rosemary has spanned more than 50 years. It began when Andy and I were fraternity brothers at Marietta College and continued to this day. Although we lived a continent apart, we always kept in touch and visited throughout the years - and always kept in touch via phone. From college days shenanigans to more grown up pursuits we could always enjoy a laugh and each others company. We both ended up in the insurance business so we had that in common too. Andy even honored me by being an Usher at my wedding. It was a great friendship that will be missed. My wife Dolores and I send our deepest condolences to Rosemary, Andrew, Greg and the entire Harris family and will be thinking of of you in the hard days ahead. Andy was a true light, so we should smile when we think of him and remember he always and enjoyed a good laugh and a good time.

George Kennedy

January 26, 2024

The Harris home and the Kennedy home in Green Valley, AZ share a wall and a neighborly relationship. Our two homes have back patios that overlook a golf course and the Santa Rita mountains, 20 miles south of Tucson and 30 miles north of Mexico. Needless to sayAndy &n Rosemary were close neighbors. However, Andy was busy with his business activities in New Jersey and else where in the U.S. so their visits to Green Valley were infrequent. They did make a point of being neighbors at Thanksgiving time and for several golf outings duringthe winter months. We could always tell when Andy was next door. He placed numerous bird feeders on his back wall. Anything that the birds did not finish or spilled was cleaned up by the javalinas. Many late afternoons we joined them to share snacks, a libation, nstories and an Arizona sunset. Andy& Rosemary were always warm hearted and generous. We know ... we always received the perishable items from their kitchen before they left for the airport. Andy will be. greatly missed by the Kennedys and his Green Valley friends.
George Kennedy

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