It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew H. Beideman Sr., age 87, of Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, which was his hope upon learning of his terminal illness.
Born in 1935, and a graduate of Alexis I. du Pont High School, Andy was the youngest son of Isaac Holland Beideman and Clara Emma (Bartels) Beideman’s ten children and was a native Delawarean. While he lived in several homes in Delaware, some of his fondest memories are the farmhouse he and his family resided in near Corner Ketch. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially in the fields, meadows, and streams throughout northern Delaware, where he acquired a handsome collection of arrowheads, among other notable artifacts.
Andy retired after 34 years as a Scientific Glass Blower at the Experimental Station for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. He was widely regarded as a master of his craft, and he was often requested by chemists to work on particularly complex projects for their research. His creativity as a glassblower carried into his personal life, too. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, he could often be found glassblowing at locations throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore to earn extra money to support his family of seven and he created many a masterpiece that he gifted to family and friends. Perhaps you are a fortunate recipient of one of his cherished treasures.
Andy considered his true wealth to be his family and friends and he enjoyed all family gatherings. He could not read music, but played the guitar, banjo, and piano by ear. He loved playing his Martin guitar with other family members, where our family would sit for hours singing, laughing, dancing, and creating everlasting memories.
Andy was a warm, kind-hearted, humble, and patient man; always supporting your dreams, which is why he was everyone’s favorite. As an active parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena, he converted to Catholicism as an adult. He was active in the church, serving on several committees for many decades, was a Eucharistic Minister, and was entrusted by the Pastor to count the weekly offerings after Sunday masses.
Andy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Gloria Orloski Beideman, who he married in 1961. He is also survived by his five children: daughter Karen B. Clawson and her husband Joseph of Bridgewater, NJ; daughter Cindy B. Campanella and her husband John of Newark, DE; daughter Terri B. Ray and her husband Clyde of Newark, DE; son Drew Beideman of Wilmington, DE; and daughter Missy Trent and her husband Jeff of Townsend, DE. He was predeceased by his parents and nine siblings.
He was a beloved grandfather to his nine grandchildren: Matthew and Catherine Clawson; Mark and Jaclyn Campanella; Madelyn and Johnathan Ray; Marygrace Beideman; and Taylor and Hailey Trent.
The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care provided by the staff of AccentCare as well as Andy’s neighbors and friends who lovingly checked on him during his illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, located at 2503 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Friends may call at 10:00 am at the church. Interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Catherine of Siena Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Andrew H. Beideman, Sr.
Funeral Services
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, located at 2503 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Friends may call at 10:00 am at the church. Interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington, DE
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