Obituary for Andrew Keith Brossa
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the unexpected passing of Mr. Andrew Keith Brossa on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the age of 54. Our Andrew was a beloved husband, son, brother, stepfather, grandfather, and friend to many.
Andrew will be laid to rest during a graveside service at 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., in Salisbury, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at Wilkinson Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 pm.
Born on October 26, 1968, in Neptune City, New Jersey, Andrew was the son of the late Jeanne Marie Holtje Brossa and Rinaldo “Ray” Brossa. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Daria Marie Smollen, Rosemarie Williams, brother, Luther Brossa, and cousin, Gregory Brossa.
An E-5 sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Desert Storm Veteran, Andrew served as a CH-53 Sikorsky Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief. He was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals, Meritorious Unit and Navy Unit Commendations and was a recipient of the Rifle Expert Badge.
He studied environmental and industrial engineering at Irvine Valley College in California.
As a private citizen, Andrew spent three decades working at companies from California to North Carolina. His roles included Haz-Mat Worker with U.S. Pollution Control, Lab/Process Control Technician at AirGas National Welders, Bench/Lab Technician at Midrex Technologies R&D Center, Lab Technician at Curtiss-Wright Aerospace and Controls, and Lab Technician at Mallard Creek Polymers. Over the course of his career, Andrew earned numerous advanced certifications required for his highly technical, specialized line of work.
During his youth, Andrew developed a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and had the pleasure of owning and riding two Fat Boys. His eclectic taste in music included heavy metal, the iconic sounds of his beloved Grateful Dead, old-school rap, and outlaw country.
He was a longtime fan of the New York Giants and a recent fan (because of his wife) of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Andrew’s personality was larger than life. His favorite things in this world were making people laugh; expressing ardent discourse; the occasional “shenanigans”; and enjoying time with family, friends, and his pug, Pepe. Andrew is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Constance H. Brossa; his mother, Susan R. Brossa; his sisters, Tara Brossa and Nancy Jerden; and his brothers, James “Jimmy” Brossa, Cliff Brossa, John Brossa, Patrick Brossa, and Robert Brossa. He is also survived by his stepson, Drew Holloway, and wife, Jaqi, and his cherished grandson, Braylon Phillips.
Memorials may be made in Andrew’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation, or you may make a donation to Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic.
Andrew will always be remembered for his profound courage, insight, intelligence, and – especially – an abiding love for his country, his friends, and his family. We miss him terribly.
Andrew will be laid to rest during a graveside service at 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., in Salisbury, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at Wilkinson Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 pm.
Born on October 26, 1968, in Neptune City, New Jersey, Andrew was the son of the late Jeanne Marie Holtje Brossa and Rinaldo “Ray” Brossa. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Daria Marie Smollen, Rosemarie Williams, brother, Luther Brossa, and cousin, Gregory Brossa.
An E-5 sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Desert Storm Veteran, Andrew served as a CH-53 Sikorsky Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief. He was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals, Meritorious Unit and Navy Unit Commendations and was a recipient of the Rifle Expert Badge.
He studied environmental and industrial engineering at Irvine Valley College in California.
As a private citizen, Andrew spent three decades working at companies from California to North Carolina. His roles included Haz-Mat Worker with U.S. Pollution Control, Lab/Process Control Technician at AirGas National Welders, Bench/Lab Technician at Midrex Technologies R&D Center, Lab Technician at Curtiss-Wright Aerospace and Controls, and Lab Technician at Mallard Creek Polymers. Over the course of his career, Andrew earned numerous advanced certifications required for his highly technical, specialized line of work.
During his youth, Andrew developed a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and had the pleasure of owning and riding two Fat Boys. His eclectic taste in music included heavy metal, the iconic sounds of his beloved Grateful Dead, old-school rap, and outlaw country.
He was a longtime fan of the New York Giants and a recent fan (because of his wife) of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Andrew’s personality was larger than life. His favorite things in this world were making people laugh; expressing ardent discourse; the occasional “shenanigans”; and enjoying time with family, friends, and his pug, Pepe. Andrew is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Constance H. Brossa; his mother, Susan R. Brossa; his sisters, Tara Brossa and Nancy Jerden; and his brothers, James “Jimmy” Brossa, Cliff Brossa, John Brossa, Patrick Brossa, and Robert Brossa. He is also survived by his stepson, Drew Holloway, and wife, Jaqi, and his cherished grandson, Braylon Phillips.
Memorials may be made in Andrew’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation, or you may make a donation to Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic.
Andrew will always be remembered for his profound courage, insight, intelligence, and – especially – an abiding love for his country, his friends, and his family. We miss him terribly.