Andrew J Cesnickas

Andrew J. Cesnickas, 67, longtime Shrewsbury resident and retired correction officer, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017 peacefully at home.  Andrew dedicated his life to his family and helping others. He was born in Worcester, a son of Joseph A. and Mary (Pisa) Cesnickas, Angelico.  He graduated from North High School and earned his associates degree from Worcester Junior College, now Central New England College, and has lived in Shrewsbury for more than 30 years.   Andrew worked for the Worcester County Sherriff’s Department as a correction officer for 25 and a half years before retiring.   He has since found time in the Golf season working at Cyprian Keyes maintaining the fairways, greens and tee’s.  Andrew is survived by his two children, Jaime Cesnickas-Doane and her husband Ben of Holden and Andrew “AJ” Cesnickas, Jr. and his wife Erin of Charlton; three brothers, Marc Pisa of Holden, Joel Angelico of Foxboro and Paul Angelico of Canton; a sister, Anne Marie Rowse of Harvard; four grandchildren he cherished William, Isabella, Jackson and Joseph; former spouse Sophie (Rano) Cesnickas; his Dog, best friend and companion Emily; Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.    Andrew was a member, lector, confirmation teacher and active volunteer at St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury, serving his faith and community wherever he could over the years.   He also found great joy volunteering his time in the summers and whenever needed at Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine; a camp which provides retreats combining respite, recreation, support and joy for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A mission he cherished very much.  He was also a Basketball referee and member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 26. He was a licensed Real-estate agent and a member of Maironis Park. He was a “Good friend of Santa Claus” for over 20 years where he dressed to provide joy and put a smile on faces of all.  The family wishes to thank all the caregivers that cared for him during his long and courageous battle especially Dana Farber, UMass Memorial Medical Center, the VNA Care Network Hospice team and Kingsley. Andy taught us how to live, love, laugh, and serve others. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.  Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family on Monday, April 17th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His funeral will be held Tuesday, April 18th from the funeral home with a procession to the church he loved, St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury where Reverend John Foley will celebrate his life at 11:00 am.  Burial next to his mother and father will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury or Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Rd, Casco, ME 04015, www.campsunshine.org