Andrew “Andy” Daniel Harrity was born on November 13, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on July 6, 2024, in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Andy grew up in South Philadelphia with his parents, John Harrity and Margaret Rodgers and six siblings: brothers John “Sonny” Harrity and Charles “Sparky” Harrity and sisters Margaret “Peggy” Galloway, Marion Edwards, Kathleen Longenhagen, and Eileen Lawless. Andy enlisted in the Navy at 17 and retired as a Command Master Chief after nearly 30 years. He was a Corpsman during the Vietnam War and he also served in the Korean War and in Lebanon. While in the Navy, Andy, Shirley, and their daughters lived in Japan where Andy enjoyed running the teen club, alongside Shirley.
He was married to his sweetheart, Shirley Jean (Welborn), who preceded him in death on April 27, 2015, for 58 years. He was a proud father to three girls, grandfather to four, and great-grandfather to three.
After the Navy, Andy worked at the Naval Hospital in Beaufort. In total, Andy served the Navy for nearly 60 years. He also taught business courses at Park University. Andy continued his education later in life and obtained a dual Master’s Degree in Business and Management.
Andy wished to be remembered for being a family man. He loved his family deeply and was a constant source of advice and guidance.
He is survived by sisters Kathleen and Eileen (Edward “Chicky”) and brother Charles “Sparky” (Susan); daughters Shirley (Michael) Adams, Andrea Zeman, and Constance (Billy) Johnson; grandchildren Michelle, Ryan, Christopher, and Daniel (Jackie); three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Andy is preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters Margaret “Peggy” and Marion, and brother John “Sonny”.
Family and friends are invited to attend the services at Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory in Anderson, South Carolina. The viewing will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12th, and the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13th.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude.
Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory, South Chapel, is assisting the family.
Condolence(1)-
Kenneth Lawless says
July 9, 2024 at 2:35 pmI have very fond memories of Uncle Andy! As a child I always looked forward to him visiting our house to see his mother, our Nana. As a kid he had given me many of his medals and ribbons from his service in the Navy. I was happy to be able to return them years later to Daniel when he was younger.
It brings a smile to my face remembering our Lawless family trip to Beaufort and surprising him with Aunt Kathleen being with us. He seemed to revel in the roll of provider and tour director with the fantastic steak and shrimp dinner he cooked as well as guiding us around Beaufort, Parris Island and Fort Pulaski in Savannah. He even took time to watch some of the Flyers vs Oilers stanley cup final game with me.
I was blessed to make several more trips with my wife and children to visit Uncle Andy and Aunt Shirley on our way to Disney. They were always gracious hosts and I am so fortunate that my children were able to meet him.
I wish all of my cousins peace of mind knowing that he lived a wonderful, caring, giving life. He was blessed to have such a loving family! You are all in my prayers.
All my love,
Cousin Ken Lawless