Andrew Schilly

1935 - 2024

Andrew Joseph Schilly

1935 – 2024

Born April 22, 1935, in Dobbs Ferry, New York to Ralph Schilly Sr. and Theresa Noon, Andy died August 21, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah due to heart failure.

Andy and his two brothers were raised on Windybush Road in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended parochial schools and Archmere Academy, where "running book" for his classmates at the local horse racing track demonstrated his people skills at an early age.

In 1957, Andy graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BBA degree. He played Intramural football, raced Lightning Class sailboats, and became a die-hard fan of the "Fighting Irish." He valued military service and after college spent time in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Andy was an East Coast boy who moved West. In 1958 he started his sales and marketing career by joining Union Carbide Corporation and covered four western states. The following year Andy joined the IBM Corporation in Salt Lake City and was there 32 years before retiring. He developed and implemented successful marketing campaigns in multiple industries including retail food, general merchandise, legal, utilities and education. His natural ability to strike up a conversation and make you feel a part of an enthusiastic enterprise was the energy and creativity behind his consistently successful accomplishments. As a result, he exceeded sales goals and won local, regional, and national awards.

In 1961, Andy met Carolyn Rice, a special education teacher and accomplished artist. She was the "guiding light" of his life for 49 years. After retiring, together they traveled the world. Their mutual desire to promote and foster higher education opportunities resulted in philanthropic scholarships offered at multiple universities and has been the inspiration for many deserving students.

Andy was always a strong believer in community service and lent his expertise to multiple organizations. He supported the Salvation Army, Rotary Club, was a trustee on the Board of Westminster University for 18 years, as well as being associated with the University of Utah Health Sciences Council.

A scratch golfer, tennis buff and card shark, Andy could be found on the golf courses of Hidden Valley and the Salt Lake Country Clubs, as well as in the Men's Grill playing serious cards with fellow bridge aficionados. A charming and elegant man, friends have said that Andy was the life of the party! He mixed and mingled with a variety of social groups throughout the years, creating life-long friendships. He enjoyed twirling around the dance floor at the Saturday Night Dance Club, tipsy onion martinis and steak dinners in the Alta Club's Grill Room, and especially appreciated the wines and gourmand camaraderie of the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Andy loved his family and would always look forward to visits from his east coast relatives. Whether in Salt Lake or Palm Springs, Mary and Dan would challenge him on the golf courses, hiking trails and Utah ski slopes creating warm memories. Andy enjoyed his extended family relationships in Salt Lake, bringing kindness and caring and a loving spirit to all. He shared his great wit, the art of storytelling and taught those at an early age the card-playing tricks of the trade. Susie, a dear friend, and her children, John and Hilary Amoss, and Hilary's children Sarah and Jack Gibbons, as well as two adoring dogs, were fortunate to celebrate many holidays and family milestones with Uncle Andy.

Andy was preceded in death by his brother David Schilly and his wife Carolyn Schilly. He is survived by his brother Ralph Schilly Jr. (Peggy), niece Mary Claire Knisely (Dan), and nephews Michael Schilly (Kathy), Stephen Schilly (Bob), and David Schilly (Sandie).

What drew you to Andy was the twinkle in his eye. He embraced life with love, compassion, and generosity . . . and was often heard saying, "I couldn't agree with you more!"

In lieu of flowers, it is requested a donation be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank Andy's long-time friend Chris Ek, and caregivers; Yolanda and Spencer Reategui, Hussein and Saja Al Dafafaa, Joanna Garcia, and Mary Turner, and A Plus Home Healthcare and Hospice, for their caring and compassion to allow Andy to be at home until the end.