James R. D'Andrea

James R. D'Andrea passed away peacefully at home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 8th, 2012. Born December 20th, 1920, He was the last surviving sibling of the D'Andrea family of Weatherly, Pa. He will be joining his beloved mother Mary Grace (Petrone) D'Andrea and father Ralph, along with brothers Saverio, Francis, Joseph, Benjamin, Anthony, and sister Carmela.

Jimmy, as he was fondly called by all who knew him, was active right until the day he left us. He enjoyed playing golf and keeping up with the latest technology including an interest in nuclear energy! His greatest joy was spending time with his 5 great grand daughters. He loved hearing them call him 'Great Pop' and sitting on his lap for hugs and kisses. He will be missed greatly by his grand children, James, Christina, Amy, all from New Jersey, and Jennifer from Nevada. He is survived by three loving daughters, Barbara Holly and husband David, New Jersey, Linda D'Andrea and partner Michele, Massachusetts, Catheryn D'Andrea and fiance Bruce, Nevada., He would bestow a heartfelt thank you to his extended family, nieces and nephews, and all friends and neighbors who gave him their love and support for many years.

Jim certainly lived life to the fullest as evidenced by countless experiences during his 91 years. After graduating from Weatherly High School in 1938, he worked as a pattern maker apprentice at the Weatherly Foundry and Mfg. until being accepted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York in 1943. Due to WW2, Jim was put on an accelerated course and graduated in 1944. As an ensign and 3rd engineer (asst), he was assigned to War Shipping Administration vessels during the war and sailed the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean.

Moving to New Jersey, Jim then went to work for United States Lines and was an engineer with the greatest American luxury liner in history, the S/S United States. From her construction, trials and 1952 maiden voyage, to her ultimate retirement in 1969, he traversed the planet on the vessel that to this day, holds the record for fastest north Atlantic crossing, both east and west bound. He continued to sail with U.S. Lines as chief engineer aiding the Military Sea Lift Command until his retirement in 1984. He settled in Arizona for a short time, but eventually came back to his boyhood home in Weatherly.

Jim retired from the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander, life long member of the American Legion, The Retired Officers Assoc., Marine Engineers Benevolent Assoc., and was a proud member of the Penn Haven Gun Club. He passionately supported his parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish of Weatherly, Pa.

Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home 211 First St. Weatherly, Pa., Philip J. Jeffries F.D., is in charge of services.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday March 15, 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C.C. 318 Plane St. Weatherly, Pa. 18255 at 11 o'clock AM.

Friends may call in church from 10:00 A.M. until Time of Services.

Interment with Military Honors will be conducted at St. Nicholas R.C.C. Cemetery of Weatherly.

Memorials in his honor may be sent to: Wounded Warriors
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
CFC #11425

Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com