Andrew Thomas Stegarp

Andrew "Andy" Thomas Stegarp

June 15, 2005 - August 4, 2025

It is with broken hearts and immeasurable grief that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Andy. Only 20 years old, he left us far too soon on August 4, 2025, in Suwanee, Georgia.

Born on June 15, 2005, in Astana, Kazakhstan, Andy spent his life pursuing his passions and dreams. He explored and learned as if there was no tomorrow. His mind never stood still. As a small child, he started asking the questions that would keep him engaged for the rest of his life. That boundless curiosity about the natural world became a guiding force in his life.

At five years old, Andy discovered his passion for meteorology. He spent countless hours tracking weather patterns, watching cloud formations drift and build, and dreaming of chasing storms. With a bowl of popcorn, he would watch the Weather Channel the way others watch a Hollywood blockbuster movie. He could predict weather changes with uncanny accuracy, and his whole face would light up when asked to explain the intricacies of pressure systems and storm fronts. Recently, he chased storms with friends, and he discovered astronomy. What happened in the sky proved just as intriguing as what happened on earth.

Music was perhaps Andy's greatest love. Beginning piano lessons at age six, he revealed an astonishing gift for the instrument that mirrored his mother's own passion for music. The works of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov flowed from his hands with depth far beyond his years. Not a day passed without him sitting at his beloved piano, often for hours, studying cherished pieces or creating new ones. To Andy, playing piano was never simply about pressing down keys, it was about conveying emotions. He possessed a rare ability to make listeners truly feel the music. At home, he provided the soundtrack to our lives.

Andy loved traveling with his family across the U.S. and Europe, adding new adventures to his list. Andy was everyone's friend from the moment they met him, and he kept in touch with people he had met in Italy, Iceland, the Caribbean, and Alaska. He treasured his friends like family and was fiercely loyal. Many friends described him as being open-hearted, genuine, and quick to share a laugh. At home, he found joy in cooking and would often announce that this was the time he had, yet again, perfected his recipe for mac and cheese.

Weather, music, and travel aside, Andy was most of all a loving son, brother, grandson and friend whose devotion to family ran deeper than we can imagine. He always spoke well of others, kindness came easily, and he was a supportive big brother. Andy shared a special bond with our family dogs, Turner and Leo, who seemed to understand his gentle soul and will undoubtedly miss their devoted companion.

Though his time with us was heartbreakingly short, Andy lived with an intensity and purpose that touched every life he encountered. He pursued his passions fearlessly and he loved unconditionally. The world is a better place because he was here, filled with his music, wonder, and boundless love.

Andy is survived by his parents, Shannon and Thomas Stegarp; his sister, Olivia; his grandmother "Gigi", Margaret Gursel; his Aunt Annika, Uncle Lars, cousins Tobias and Elias (Sweden), aunts, uncle, and cousins who loved him dearly in Alabama and Georgia; and a long list of friends from the weather, KSU, and Kazakhstan communities.

Andy, you were our greatest treasure, and you will be missed beyond measure until we meet again.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home, Peachtree Corners, GA followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Furkids (https://furkids.org/donation) in Andy's memory, reflecting his love for dogs and cats. Donations may be made so that vulnerable animals can find the care and loving homes that would have brought Andy such joy.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770)448-5757.