Sterling K. Andrews

Sterling Andrews, 83, died peacefully at home in Berlin, CT on September 19, 2025. Sterling was an exceptional person, always sharing joy, kindness and seeing the glass half-full. Sterling was born on September 11, 1942, the son of Herman and Dorothy Andrews. During his childhood he lived in Southampton, MA with his sister, Gale. In this farming community he learned many important lessons from his family, neighbors, and church community. Sterling's early life in Southampton included learning about gardening from his father, learning music from his mother and discovering the responsibility of caring for others. He often told stories about his adventures in 4 H and raising chickens. He graduated from Easthampton High School. Sterling studied electrical engineering and graduated from Franklin Institute of Technology in 1962. He married Margaret Andrews and enlisted in the United States Air Force in the field of Communications. He served in Okinawa where he taught English to Okinawan children. When Sterling returned to civilian life, he was able to continue his profession in communication where he worked a variety of positions in the 42 years he worked for AT&T, mostly Building Maintenance. During these early years Sterling made his home in West Hartford, CT. His family expanded to 4 sons, Stephen, Scott, Brian, and Chris. He became Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 292 and was honored during a Scouting Anniversary week in 1980. Sterling helped many of his neighbors and worked multiple jobs. He worked a part-time job at Greenwood Nursing Home at a variety of tasks where he met his future wife. In May 1990 Sterling and Ann were married, blending their families. Now there are seven sons, adding Michael, Mark, and Paul. Sterling continued to work at AT&T until he retired after 42 years. He joined the church choir and was active in many roles at the Church of Christ, Congregational, Newington. After Sterling and Ann were married, they dedicated the next 20 years to a mission trip, Appalachia Service Project, where youth and adults travel to central Appalachia to help make homes "warmer, safer, drier." With the help of many others, they developed the ASP project for mission work which continues today. For fun, Sterling enjoyed hiking, gardening, and traveling. He enhanced his gardening skills by studying and becoming a Master Gardener. He created a complete garden in his front yard in Newington with flowers and vegetables. When he moved in 2020 to Berlin, he tirelessly prepared the farm land for gardens. Traveling was a means for seeing the family. Sterling progressed from a simple trailer to a large motor home. When he traveled, his dog Ginger enjoyed every trip. Sterling only gave up traveling in the motor home when he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He lived well with Lewy Body, but his memory and body began to fail. He loved getting outside to see what flowers were blooming and loved watching Ginger play. He was with Ginger when she had to be put to sleep at 14 years old. Surprisingly he added another dog to the family, just 2 weeks ago. Nella is 8 years old, Chihuahua mix. Wonderful little dog. Sterling took to her immediately. He called Nella's name. She enjoyed sleeping with him every day. Sterling was very fortunate to have been able to keep living well with LBD. He was happy, never angry or discouraged, accepting the road he had been given. He had caregivers every day who helped him as needed. He was able to go to church and see friends. He remembered the names of many family members and friends. He was able to speak, albeit just a little, and was able to eat favorite foods, including ice cream. Thanks to Franciscan Hospice of Meriden for such good care for the past 6 months, so he could stay at home. Thanks be to God for Sterling's good life. Besides his wife, Ann Andrews, Sterling is survived by seven sons: Stephen Andrews (Jackie), Scott Andrews (Katy), Brian Andrews (Linda), Chris Andrews (Tami), Michael Kelley (Gigi), Mark Kelley, Paul Kelley. He is also survived by his sister, Gale Robinson, a niece and nephew, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Margaret Andrews. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, October 1st from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington, CT 06111. Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 2nd at 10:30am at the Church of Christ, Congregational, 1075 Main Street, Newington CT. 06111. Internment of ashes will follow the church service in the church's Memorial Garden. A luncheon will follow the services in the Fellowship Hall of the church. A head count for the luncheon would be appreciated. To share a memory with his family, please visit at www.duksa.net. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sterling's name at www.LBDA.org