Sonny D’Andrea, Jr.

D’ANDREA

Sonny D’Andrea, 66, of Westerville passed away Friday, August 4, 2017 after a short and aggressive battle with cancer. Sonny was a 1973 graduate of Otterbein College, where he served as an athletic trainer for the football team for four years. After graduating, Sonny obtained a Master’s Degree from Ohio State and went on to teach elementary physical education for over a decade at Lincoln Elementary in Gahanna. There, Sonny developed a one-of-a-kind gymnastics program and was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for his efforts both inside and outside of the classroom. While still teaching at Lincoln Elementary, Sonny, along with his wife and brother, bought and began operating four Dairy Queen stores in the Central Ohio area. Although Sonny eventually left the education field after entering the Dairy Queen business, he never stopped being a teacher. For nearly 40 years, Sonny used his role at the Dairy Queen to teach young people about the importance of hard work and to help develop in his “DQ alums” the life skills needed to be successful. Sonny also set an example of giving back to the community through his nearly 30 years of ushering at St. Paul Church, supporting Otterbein and DeSales athletics, promoting junior golf, and assisting those in need through the Westerville Area Resource Ministry. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 40 years, Rose, his son Joe, brother Bob, sister-in-law Marcia, cousins Tom, Mike, Carol, and Diane Petti, cousin Peggie Lyn Jones, by his extended family, and by his many friends. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 8th from 4-8 p.m. at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:30 a.m., St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 N. State Street in Westerville, Rev. Fr. Charles Klinger, celebrant. Interment Blendon Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to St. Francis DeSales High School or to the Otterbein “O” Club.