Andrew Cary Whitten
Andrew Cary Whitten, Lynchburg, Virginia, left us on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025. Andrew’s love and spirit continue in all of us he touched. We love him dearly.
Andrew was born July 16, 1987, in Barberton, Ohio. He was 37 years old. He is survived by his parents, Patrick and Nora Whitten of Evington, Virginia; his brother, John Whitten (Audrey) of Buchanan, Michigan; nephew and niece, Ellis and Lydia; uncles; aunts; and cousins. Andy especially enjoyed the children of his brother and cousins, and they all crowded around Uncle Andy at the holidays.
Andrew was baptized at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Fairlawn, Ohio, and attended St. Hilary Catholic School. He continued his education at Walsh Jesuit High School (2006) in Stow, Ohio. He participated in all the CYO sports, especially soccer and basketball, and at Walsh lettered each year in varsity volleyball.
Andrew graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (2010). He participated in club volleyball and ice hockey and was an assistant coach for women’s volleyball. Andrew maintained a close friendship with his Clarkson roommates Curtis and Steve.
His career focused on nuclear power plant component design engineering in Lynchburg and Pittsburgh. He was an expert in ASME pressure vessel code application and materials selection for nuclear applications and was trained to apply ANSYS modeling software for engineering design. He worked on many projects and was proud of his work that culminated in the granting of multiple patents as either inventor or co-inventor. He appreciated the friendship of his colleague Lewis during his career.
Andy loved the sea, the ocean, the beach, surf fishing, and just watching the morning sunrises. He was a certified diver and a good golfer. He could talk in depth about boats, astronomy, and science fiction. He loved to cook, and it was a special treat to have him prepare gourmet dinners when we shared his company. If he had one regret, it may be not having a dog of his own.
It is tragic when a parent has to bury a child. The grief is unimaginable. But for us, what is more difficult is the loss of our best friend, whom we miss so much. We love you, Andy, are so very proud of you, and cherish dearly all our memories and time together.
A memorial service and Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Andrew beginning at 11:15 on Friday July 25, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 1307 Oakwood St., Bedford, Virginia. .
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.