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BORN
1943
DIED
2015
Andrew Heidelberg Obituary
Peninsula - Andrew Heidelberg, born November 6, 1943 in Norfolk, VA was one of the "Norfolk 17" that integrated Norfolk's public schools and became the first African American to play varsity football in Virginia and the South.
In 1967, Heidelberg became the first African American Branch Manager, Credit Officer, and Commercial Loan Officer in Providence, RI. In 1976, he co-founded Heidelberg, Clary & Associates, Inc. After firm closed, he worked at Barclays and Banco de Ponce of NY as Vice President and Corporate Manager. Graduated from NSU with his B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and pursued M. A. degree in Humanities at ODU. He served as Assistant Treasurer and Chief Deputy Treasurer for the City of Hampton in 2003 until retirement.
Heidelberg selected by Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine served as a member of the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Awards Committee for consecutive terms (2005-2011). In 2006, he published The Norfolk 17: A Personal Narrative on Desegregation in Norfolk, Virginia in 1958-1962 and was inducted into the HRAASHF. He also finished a screenplay based on his non-published book The Colored Halfback. In 2009, he returned to Norview High School to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of "Massive Resistance" in Virginia and will be inducted to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame on October 20, 2015.
Heidelberg departed this life on July 6, 2015. He leaves to mourn, wife Luressa, children, Angela, Kirsten, Stephone, Isaiah and Judah, a host of relatives and friends. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at the Church of God and Saints of Christ 4300 Judah Lane and Interment at Belleville Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Heidelberg
Sponsored by the family.
Mark Lidman
June 25, 2024
I was reading the New York Times obituary on William Goines which referenced how segregated Norfolk was in the 1950s and I decided to do some reading on it. Although I was in grade school in 1959, I was unaware of the Norfolk 17 but remembered seeing Andrew playing football for Norview and running all over Maury in a showdown game. Further reading led me to the obituary and this remembrance. So glad you had such a successful and meaningful life and so sorry for what you had to endure. People today would have a hard time comprehending that shameful period. Rest in peace.
Brenda Edwards
July 4, 2021
I had the honor and pleasure of working with and befriending Andrew as staff to several legislative committees of the General Assembly on which he served. I learned so much from him and miss him.
John Penn
July 3, 2021
I have not forgotten. God bless you and your family.
Maria Rombouts
December 5, 2020
I woud kine to get in touch with Angela
maria rombouts
December 5, 2020
Mijn oprechte deelneming met het overlijden van uw vader.
My sincere condolences for the loss of your father.
To Angela : we met in sept/oct 1982 in NY Manhattan
July 8, 2019
YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN ESPECIALLY FROM THE REAR WHEN YOU CAUGHT THAT PASS IN FRONT OF ME IN JUNIOR REC. BALL I AM FRIEND ,FOE AND FAMILY. LOVE WHAT YOU DONE IN YOUR LIFE. LOVE GEORGE T. LEWIS
John Penn
July 4, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Brenda Edwards
July 3, 2019
I think about Andrew all the time. Although he was one of the members of a legislative committee which I staffed, we became close friends. He faithfully carried out his duties and attended committee meetings. We depended upon his knowledge and expertise. He was respected and admired by everyone. On behalf of the General Assembly's Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee, we treasure memories of Andrew and sorely miss his presence.
alexis anderson
February 25, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Chaneta Joshway
February 19, 2016
To God Be The Glory
In Prayer
Chaneta Joshway
John Penn
February 18, 2016
I am just nearing the end of his book, "Norfolk 17". Although the book is relatively short, I have had to stop many times to reflect on what he was going through because his life at that time somewhat paralleled mine as I was a student at Jaycox and Booker T. in Norfolk at the same time. Just learned of his passing today(2/18/2016) and am deeply hurt as I feel I know him personally.
God bless and take care of his family and the remainder of the 17.
Peace, John Penn
August 26, 2015
In scanning the Tidewater obits today from my home here in Conn., I was stunned to discover the passing of Andrew Heidelberg. I recall Andrew from my days in High School and my struggle with should I follow in Andrew's foot steps and intergrate the former all white high school. He was an ispiration to many who struggled with this decision. Our paths crossed at Norfolk State Un.and he served as my company commander in the ROTC. He was charasmatic, mature and bigger than life. He made so many so proud.
August 17, 2015
Although we are sadden by your loss, how comforting to know that God is near to those who are broken at heart. He can strengthen your family during this time. Please find comfort from Isaiah 57:15
yvonne salazar
August 12, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. May the Almighty God help your family endure during these trying times. 2Cor 1:3-7.
August 8, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. Psalms 55 : 22 - -
July 30, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the Heidelberg Family. May God bring you comfort in the wonderful memories that will live forever in your hearts for the time you shared with Andrew. God is near when our hearts are broken and He has provided His Word to comfort us in our times of distress. ROM 15:4. -- Sincerely, DAW
Michelle
July 29, 2015
My sympathies to the family in your loss of Andrew. May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) give you the strength to cope.
Scott Chamberland
July 24, 2015
Rest in Peace
Brenda Edwards
July 21, 2015
To Luressa and the family: I had the honor of working with your husband and dad during the time that he served as a member of the Virginia General Assembly's Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee and other legislative groups. He was always professional, kind, and considerate. When I lost my husband last year, he prayed for and supported my family and me in our time of grief. I can't begin to tell you how much that meant to all of us. I will miss Andrew. Please know that I am holding you up in prayer.
Rose Parker-Tucker
July 13, 2015
The love of a beautiful soul last for many, many generations. He will be remembered as a beautiful person in heart.
July 12, 2015
With heartfelt concolence and fond memories of the days of our youth. As a resident of Carney Park and Titustown we were all in the fight for equally and justice with our neighboring communities of Coronado and, Lamberts Point. We were tested, challenged, and achieved. Andy was one of our champions and will long be remembered as a friend, fighter, and of great character for all of our 1960's graduates of Norfolk, Va.
I and others from Titustown will remember you also as a caring and concerned friend during our youth.
Sincerely,
Barbara Faltz Jackson
July 11, 2015
To God Be The Glory, heaven shines with Bright Light of one of it Chosen. My Prayers and condolences to the family. Chaneta Joshway & family
Raymond Norman
July 10, 2015
Condolences to the family of my dear friend, Andrew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, Raymond Norman Jr. & family.
Addison
July 10, 2015
He was a very influential man with a lot of wisdom. May his legacy continue through all of those who were impacted by his life.
May the Holy Spirit comfort the family during this time.
July 9, 2015
My deepest condolences for your loss. I pray that the words and promise at Isaiah 35:5,6 will give you hope and comfort.
Minnie Hill
July 9, 2015
To the Family of the Late Andrew I. Heidelberg. A true Servant of God has been called from Labor to Reward. His smile and compassion to other will be missed. May the memories of him be withyou forever. Peace and Love!!
Arthur Lee
July 9, 2015
I'm deeply saddened to read about the passing of my dear friend from way back when. I am really Speakless. However I offer the family my deepest condolences thoughts and prayers on the passing of your beloved loved one. REMEMBERING THAT ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS PRESENT IN THE LORD. AND EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL.Stay Encouraged!!!!! May God continues to shower you with his many blessings. RIPmy friend
July 9, 2015
I went to Norview High the same time as Andy and he was a wonderful human being with a good soul and a ready smile. He will be missed.
Louise Hodor
The Bradshaw Family
July 9, 2015
Andy was a Norview High School great...who will be remembered not only as a fast and furious football player, but as a friend to all, a guy who helped change people's mind about race, and ease the tensions of the time. I knew Andy, and I am proud to say that we went to school together. Andy was a "Difference Maker."
Wayne W. Bradshaw NHS'65
July 9, 2015
We had a bond in High School
and he will be missed. He was in my class of '62
July 9, 2015
We all soon learned that Andy was a special and talented man, and we were glad to be his friend.
George Edwards, Norview '62
Billie Mitchell
July 9, 2015
ANDY WAS A VERY DEAR FRIEND AND OUTSTANDING HUMAN BEING. TO KNOW HIM WAS TO LOVE HIM...A LEGEND.
Arthur Bailey
July 9, 2015
I was honored to meet Andrew nearly 20 years ago, he was friends with my father and uncle. We also attended NSU at the same time and he was there at my commencement to offer congratulations. His story is well known and there's nothing that I can say that hasn't been said about Andrew already, except that he was a not only a champion, but also a very warm and good man. Rest in peace Andrew, well done sir.
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