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Andrew Ivan Obituary

Bozrah - Andrew R. Ivan, 30, of Bozrah, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2009.

He was born in Rochester, westernPa., on May 11, 1979, where when you're born there you receive a birth certificate and a "Terrible Towel".

He is survived by his parents, Andrew N. and Sung Hui Ivan of Bozrah; his sister, Jasmine (Ivan) and Todd S. Perkins of Waterford; his girlfriend, Jennifer and her daughter Emily Hopkins, Andy's "Lil' Em", his pride and joy. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Mary and Rich Grandey, Jane and Michel Santos, Sung Ah and John Lee; and many cousins.

Andy graduated from Norwich Free Academy and was employed by Mohegan Sun for six years in the slots department working his way up to slot floor manager. He went on to work for Cross Town Provision for the past two years.

Andy could always light up a room with his smile and "swagger". He had a way of charming anyone into anything and never made friends, he made family. His quick wit, intelligence, and competitive nature gave him the uncanny ability to outsmart family time and time again. This drove us nuts, but made us love him that much more.

Andy had many passions becoming a 'self taught expert' in many ways. He loved his mother's food, fishing with Vern, a Steelers game, and time with family and friends. He had an amazing ability to connect with children and took pride in his ability to teach and guide them to do great things in life. His patience with them was remarkable and touched the hearts of many when we saw it. He loved his family and his heritage, a product of two cultures, Korean and Slovak/Slovenian. He was immensely proud of both and let everyone know it.

Andy's dreams to one day become a drug and alcohol counselor for disadvantaged kids is a dream that will not go unfulfilled. His family and friends have committed to ensure this happens and plans to create a fund.

Donations will be used to start a non-profit organization in Andy's honor and will be used solely to help fulfill his wishes. As the details are not yet finalized, please email [email protected] for more information.

We love you Andy and our lives will always carry the sunshine you brought to it. You will never be forgotten.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rt. 195), Willimantic. Funeral services will be private.

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

Published by The Day on May 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Ivan

Sponsored by Andrew N. Ivan.

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January 17, 2012

Hi Andy,
I haven't written in a long time, but I think of you every day~ numerous times. I miss you so much and wish you were here in the physical form to hold and kiss your neice and nephews. Triplets!!!! Can you believe it??? They are truely amazing and make me so happy. They will always know who you are as each of them has a name of yours as their middle name...Todd ANDREW, Kennah RYANn & Benjamin IVAN. I plan to always tell them stories of you and have your picture around the house. Benny looks and acts so much like you :) It makes me just smile when I see his athleticism and outgoing personality. I sense you around all the time and I pray that you are happy and learning about God's love and mercy~ straight from the source. Josh & Hope huh?!? Crazy! Knew you'd be happy for them :) I miss you Andy and know I will see and be with you again in the future. Love, Jas

Brandy Gardner

December 28, 2010

thinking of you everyday. missing you always. brandy

November 9, 2010

I didn't know you but knowing your sister
and how shelites up when she is speaking about you, makes me feel like I do know
you, and I know that I would have loved you just as much as I do your sister.
You are missed but rest in the arms of the angels. RIP,Andy,love,Ana

Brandy Gardner

October 12, 2010

hey andy, missing you very much. Always in my heart, Brandy.

September 14, 2010

I have never met you in the physical form ...as far as the spirtiual-'I GET IT'!! Wish you love and blessings along your journey of crossing over and visiting those you love! I KNOW you visit your sister Jaz ALOT because she shines EVERYDAY!!! Thanks for being part of her life...she is now part of ours! ♥

Jasmine Perkins

August 30, 2010

Hey there Andy ;) Well mom's 60th birthday is coming up~ getting her a Cockerdoodle puppie tomorrow...that is if she goes for it! Told her I wanted her company for a drive up to Mass and she agreed to go with me (told her it was for work). Actually bringing her to the breeder's house~ she won't be able to resist!!! She really misses you...we all do. I think it will be great for mom and dad to have a lil' guy that will give them unconditional love and affection. Dad's always watching those dog whisperer shows too~ think they will both really like having it around. The dog can go fishing with Vern and garden with mom ;) I love you and am doing really great. Todd and I joined a really amazing church and are loving it! The bible and God give me a lot of comfort in my thoughts of you. I haven't dreamed of you in a long time~ please visit me!!! Love you lil' bro, Jas

Andy's rainbow

Jasmine Perkins

July 23, 2010

As long as the sun is shining~ there is a constant rainbow. My family and I put some of Andy's ashes here :) It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. RIP Andy~ we love you and miss you so much and wait for the day we see you again.

July 22, 2010

Hey there lil' bro :)
Todd and I went to see Emo, John, Hannah and Michael. We had an awesome time and talked a lot about you. We brought some of your ashes to this amazing spot on the side of a mountain. There is a river and a waterfall with a constant rainbow (as long as the sun is shining). It was one of the most beautiful places I've seen. Miss you!!! Love, Jas

Jasmine Perkins

June 11, 2010

Miss you so much...I hate that I can't just call you up or run into you over at mom and dad's. I feel your energy and thank you for helping me out~I know it's you~ especially when I hurt myself or trip...I hear you laughing~ DH!!!! :) I love you and pray for dreams to reveal your face each night.

uncle andy and natasha marie

June 10, 2010

mary cady makara

June 10, 2010

hey andy...eddie,brit,natasha and I been thinking about you alot lately..laughing about all of the great and unforgettable times we've all spent together..natasha grabs your pic off the fridge daily no matter how high I putt it she always gets it and kisses it..she cries when we take it away..we love and miss you so much...you were the best friend and uncle anyone could ever ask for.

brandy gardner

May 13, 2010

happy first heavenly birthday! missing and loving you always, Brandy

Bandy Gardner

May 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Andy! you are so missed! love always, Brandy

May 10, 2010

Hey babe, tomorrow is your birthday.. Another couple days and it's the anniversary. Still hanging in there.. Been thinking about you quite often these days. I hope you know I am doing ok. Learning how to take care of myself again. I finally spoke to your parents. I really believe that speaking to them finally has started to bring me some peace. So much guilt has just tore me up and brought me so far down. Working to find my way again. With so many people up there watching over me I must have a really good chance. Learning to think of you with smiles instead of tears more often now. Not only were you my love but you were also my closest friend and I miss you always. Love you, Jenn

April 18, 2010

Damn babe, almost a year has passed and still can't believe I can't turn around to share a funny story, a look, or just a smile knowin we were thinkin the same thing...I will always be grateful for the time we had together especially back when things were real rough for Em because of her sister. Just know that because of you she is ok.. You brought that little girl back out into the outgoing little wisegirl she has turned out to be. She still talks about you so often. You were so good for us and I really did learn alot from you. I will NEVER forget you or our time together. I know you are up there with grandma grandpa and Now you even have gotten to know my Jenna. Take good care of everyone here on earth. I will be talkin to ya soon. Love Always, Jenn

Jasmine Perkins

February 19, 2010

Hey Andy :) Justin is here and we have been talking about you...a few tears, but mostly laughs. Miss you so much. He is a great brother to me (alot nicer~hahah), but no one could ever take your place! Going to see OJ tonight~he is drawing up an infinity tattoo for me to honor you. Love you DH, Jas

Brandy Gardner

January 5, 2010

happy new year love! missing you everyday! Bran

Brandy Gardner

December 25, 2009

Andy, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I love and miss you sooooo much! I know your grandma is cooking right now and you and grandpa are talking away! Everyone misses you so much. All my love, Brandy

miss you buddy

josh ellerbee

November 22, 2009

whats up buddy, i miss talkin whicha ever once in awhile man. i'm happy you were able to come back to tampa one last time, that has left me with my last memmories of you. regardless of the terms that brought you here it was great havin you here. talk with you later bud.

lord, please bless jasmine, vern, and suki and help guide them threw these times now and the times that are still to come. amen.....

Nicole Geer

November 17, 2009

Andy,
I completely forgot about the terrible towels and your love for the Steelers! I remember our bus rides and how I had the biggest goofball crush on you because of those darn dimples..... You are missed by all, but never, ever forgotton. Love you and may you rest in peace, Andy. Love, Nicole

Melissa Beckel

November 16, 2009

I haven't seen Andy since the "Patriot" days ;o) His looks have not changed one bit! I am sorry to learn he has left this life at such a young age, but he is in a much better place!
My thoughts and prayers are with his family!

Andy and Jasmine

Jasmine Ivan-Perkins

November 15, 2009

This was a fun night :)

November 15, 2009

Hey Andy...Can't believe it's already been over 6 month's. Miss you a lot and keep thinking about all of the good times. Thanks for visiting me frequently in my dreams :) Makes everything more bearable to still be able to laugh with you. Love you DH, Jas

Brandy Gardner

November 4, 2009

Hey babe! Talked to Carson last night about all our very funny times together. He misses you very much. Thinking of you and loving you everyday, Brandy.

Brandy Gardner

October 10, 2009

I know your with us but in case you didn't know it, WE MISS YOU! Miss that swagger Andy. Love,Brandy.

Brandy Gardner

September 8, 2009

Missing you. Forever and a day, Brandy

Brandy Gardner

July 4, 2009

i miss u so much. How I long for one more conversation. I love you, all four of you, love forever and a day, Brandy

Steven Doherty

June 12, 2009

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

Jasmine (Ivan) Perkins

May 20, 2009

A warm and heartfelt thank you to all the love and support that is coming to myself and my family. We appreciate it so much more than we could ever express! Thank you so very much :)
Andy was my built in best friend growing up. We were born 14 months apart and my mom stayed at home to raise us until we entered into school. She was always so creative in keeping us from fighting (as young kids do) and keeping us entertained must have been a dailiy challenge! She rarely let us watch tv as she took us to the park almost daily and taught us about nature and gardening. She taught us how to respect the earth and animals and to be silly even if others were watching. Dad read us bedtime stories every night and snuck us candy when mom wasn't looking. He taught us how to swim, fish and also about the purity of nature. We fought like no other family, but we also loved like no other family! Our parents taught us the core values of honesty, loyalty and hard work. (Smile while you're doing it too!)
I was held back in the 1st grade (a blessing in disguise). This lead to my brother and I being in the same grade through out our schooling and being referred to as the Ivan twins. As our father's job lead us to different states and schools every few years, I always had at least one friend that very first day and someone to sit with at lunch. We drew strength from each other and often found that we shared/fought over the same group of friends growing up. This has proven to be such a blessing in the time of his passing as y'all have been there for me and my family to remember and laugh of the old times we all shared together. We will all miss Andy and what it was he brought to each of our lives. I was lucky to have him as my brother and my parents to have him as his son. I know I will see my best friend again and I will do all it takes to fufill his dreams of helping disadvantaged kids learn about nature and the ill effects of drugs and alcohol as this was his passion. My family is working to set up a non profit organization that will mentor and sponsor kids that will benefit from these teachings. Andy will always be remembered and live on in the children we help to guide.
Love you Andy.

May 18, 2009

WE WERE DEEPLY SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF ANDREW RYAN. ALTHOUGH WE ONLY SAW HIM TWICE A WEEK WHEN HE DELIVERED FOR BOAR'S HEAD, WE FELT LIKE WE KNEW HIM FOREVER. HE WAS SUPER FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, POLITE, AND HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.MAY THE MEMORIES YOU HAVE HELP HEAL YOU.
BETSY & STEPHANIE HULSE
C.N.F.M.

Rena Powers

May 18, 2009

Jasmine,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.....
Rena.

May 17, 2009

Andy .... made a room brighten up ..with his smile ...am sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace...
Ruthie Fortin

Lexie and Dawn

May 17, 2009

We are very sorry to hear of the devastating loss of Andy. Andy you always had an amazing way of being there for everyone to offer support, guidance and and genuine care and concern. It is such a shame that Andy had to go so soon. No matter what know that Andy will never be forgotten. God Bless to Jen, Emily and the rest of Andy's family may you find comfort in knowing that Andy is now at peace and will always look over you.

Ricky

May 17, 2009

Andy was a great friend. I met him over twelve years ago when Eddie showed up at my house the day he first got his license with Andy. I never met him before but with in five minutes I felt like we had known each other for years. He was a great friend. Just like it was said, he didn't make friends, He made family. God Bless.

fran lavallee

May 16, 2009

The Ivan Family,Jen,and Emily,

I'm so sorry to hear about Andy. I worked with him at the casino and he was a great person. He had the nicest smile. He will sadly be missed but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to you all. May the peace of the lord be with him and guide him through his ever lasting journey.

Kathy Cady

May 16, 2009

Ivan Family, Jen and Emmy,
Andy was a close friend of my daughter Mary her boyfriend Eddie and my granddaughter Brittany. I would always see Andy and chat with him at the birthday parties and family events. He was respectful, very pleasant and a young man we will miss terribly. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Fran Sisson

May 16, 2009

Jen and Emily,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Yineth Mendoza

May 16, 2009

Ivan family,
Andy was more than just a wonderful person, he was always so kind and considerate to everyone. His passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ryan Culley

May 15, 2009

Please accept my sincere sympathy. Andy will be missed, he was a great guy.

Carson Bagley

May 15, 2009

I am very sorry about the loss of Andy. He was a great guy and a good friend. Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy.

May 15, 2009

It goes without saying how we all feel for your loss. May God bless all of you. Don,Dee and Family

May 15, 2009

Jen & Lil Em, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. We share these words of comfort with you. “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” - Psalm 34: 17 We have found these words true in all our distressing situations. He will support and help you also.

The Gillard Family

Traci Surrell

May 15, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Andy. He was loved by so many. He will be missed. There are no words that will make it any better. I am so sorry Jen and Emily. If their is anything that i could ever do for you don't hesitate to call.

Heather Bonelli

May 15, 2009

To the Ivan family, Jen, and the Hopkins family....please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Please lean on each other in these hard times....Bless you all!

Kimberly Kuusela

May 15, 2009

Andy always brightened a room with his smile. He had great advice and was a good listener. I did not know him as a father, but I can only imagine he was the best. Jasmine my heart goes out to you right now. Find strength in knowing how many lives he blessed.

Katie Bolton-Kelley

May 15, 2009

My condolences to the Ivan family and all who knew and Loved Andy. May you have the strength to carry you through this difficult time. Andy will be remembered for his great smile and wonderful personality.

erin andiote-palardy

May 15, 2009

Andy and I worked together at the casino and he always came in with a smile on his face and you knew it was going to be a good day. When he is in heaven god would cherish his smile too like we all did who worked or knew him. Jen I am so sorry too, gurantee he will be watching over you for the rest of your lives.

Rest in Peace
You all will be in prayers

Beth & Mike Missios

May 15, 2009

Todd & Jasmine, I am sorry about your brother (brother-in-law). My prayer are with you and your family.

Carole Baier

May 15, 2009

Dear Ivan Family, Jen and Emily, I am so very sorry for your loss. Andy was always so kind to me and his smile was a happy site! May your memories of good times and the prayers of many comfort you at this sad time.

Karen Miller

May 15, 2009

Ojama and Andy,

I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked when my father told me on Wednesday. Please accept my condolences and warm wishes on behalf of my entire family. Please let us know if we can do anything.

The Miller Family
Bill, Kyung Hee, Billy, Julie, Karen, Eddie, Jayda-Lynn, and Donovan

Trish & Brandon Brimmer

May 15, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about Andy. He really was a great guy, he seemed to smile all the time. I know your hearts are hurting, but his light shines bright.

Christopher Winstead

May 15, 2009

Ivan Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Andy was a great person who always knew how to keep you smiling. His personality outshone the rest. He will be deeply missed by many.

Winstead Family~

Tracey Matthews

May 15, 2009

Jen, Emily and The Ivan family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Andy really did have a smile that could light up a room. I will remember him fondly as a good friend that I worked with for a long time. My sincere condolences go out to your families. Peace be with you all

Lynne A. Skinner Bozrah Town Clerk

May 15, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Andy & Lynne Skinner

May 15, 2009

Andy,Suki,
We are so sorry to hear about Andy. If there is anything you need, come down to the house or call. We are always here for you.

Jamie Batten

May 15, 2009

My condolences to the Ivan family. My heart goes out to you. Andy was a great guy and will be missed. My prayers are with you.

Jason Gardner

May 15, 2009

Andy, you always seemed to have that smile on your face. I was very sad to see you in the paper this morning. Jasmine, if there is anything I can do, please let me know...i'll try to help out any way I can. Sorry Jasmine, I know this must be tough, just hang in there. Email me with anything you need.
[email protected]

Edward Morissette

May 15, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was a special person adored by many. He will be surely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Sue Brimmer

May 15, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss, Andy was truely a great person and will be missed forever but never forgotten.

Dorothy Clemens

May 15, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Alycin Carroll

May 15, 2009

Andy,
I know your heart was big enough to share with all of us, it just wasn't strong enough for you....Although what u did for Jenn and Emmy cannot be replaced, I will continue to try to be a rock for them to lean on..I am bitter that u r gone so sudden, so soon, so young, but i know u will be well taken care of and i pray that u will be welcomed into heavens arms among all the angels and you will be given the strength to guide us all....Please know we will never forget the good you shared with all, we'll see you soon my friend, With lots of love and tears,
Alycin

Brandy Gardner

May 15, 2009

Jen and "lil Em", I am so, so sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all please contact me and I will be right there. Love, Brandy Gardner and family.

Brandy Gardner

May 15, 2009

Vern, Suki, and Jasmine, I am so sorry for your loss. He was so loved and we will all be here for you to ensure Andy's dreams come true. I love you all as family and will be here whenever you need me. Love, Brandy Gardner

Liza DeWolf

May 15, 2009

I was sorry to hear about Andy. I used to work with him at the casino and we had many good times in and out of work.I will truley miss him.Jennifer and Andy made a great pair together. I am also a good friend of Jennifer.I will truley miss hiss smile and laughter. My prayes are with you and your family

karen simpson

May 15, 2009

My deepest sympathies are with you. I hope you find comfort in the memmories of Andy's smile.

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