ANDREA, Michael ‘Mickey’
North Sydney
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our father Michael Elias ‘Mickey’ Andrea, age 84, on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at the Northside General Hospital, just four months after his beloved wife Shirley passed away.
Born in North Sydney on July 14, 1931, Michael was the son of the late Michael Elias and Sadie (Abraham) Andrea.
He was employed with CN Marine and then Marine Atlantic as a stevedore until his retirement. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney.
Dad was an avid sportsman, who made his mark on the ice both as a hard-nose blueliner with the Northside Franklins and in Trenton and through coaching stints with the Maritime finalists Northside Combines and Northside Jr. Vic’s.
Dad was extremely proud to lace up against the Chicago Black Hawks in an exhibition game in 1952 in North Sydney as part of an all-star junior team. Dad was an active community member and was instrumental in establishing Bartown Days activities, with a focus on events for seniors, a longtime executive with the Northern Yacht Club and with the Kinsmen. He also had a passion for politics and worked as an executive with Cape Breton-The Sydneys Liberal Association. He volunteered for all the right reasons, it was never about him.
Losing his wife of 59 years in July took its toll. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. John Kirkpatrick for being more that a physician to dad, Dr. Naqvi for providing the extra care Dad needed and to all the nursing staff our family came in contact with over the last 11 months for your care and understanding. Dad had a tendency to do things his way, and that didn’t always mean the easy way. But he truly cared for his family and only wanted the best for us. He has now rejoined Mom, the love of his life and is likely wrangling some wings in heaven.
He is survived by his children, Brian (Debra), Tennessee, Ricky (Sue), Halifax, Gary (Lori), and Michelle (Mario) Pino, both of Sydney; his grandchildren, Adam, Meaghann, Kathleen and Dominic; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Jasmine and Naomi. Also surviving is his brother Martin (Evelyn) Andrea, North Sydney; sister Joannie Andrea, Inverness; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Shirley (MacGillivary) Andrea in July 2015, his brothers, Ronald ‘Bomber’ Andrea, Vincent ‘Buddy’ Andrea, and sister, Gloria Kondziolka.
There will be no visitation. A funeral mass for Mickey will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Jake Andrea officiating. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.