Andrew Steven Hegedus
June 19, 1963 - April 23, 2020
Dr. Andrew Steven Hegedus, Ed.D., 56, passed away from cancer at his home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Andy was born on June 19, 1963, the only child of Peter and Connie Hegedus. Following a 20-year career in nuclear power, he worked as an administrator with the Christina School District, then spent ten years working on groundbreaking education research with NWEA, an education not for profit. Andy also founded Demosophia, a consulting company that uses collaborative problem-solving processes to help organizations tackle complex (wicked) problems. He held an Ed.D. from the University of Delaware, an M.S. from Drexel University, and a B.S. from Penn State.
Andy’s career was built on the belief that research, improved processes and collaboration with amazing colleagues could make the world a better place. Those interested in learning more about his work can visit: demosophia.com and www.nwea.org/research/our-researchers/andrew-hegedus-edd.
Though Andy loved his work, his life was so much more. He was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law and friend. Andy was a great conversationalist because he cared so deeply about others. Because he loved his passions so fiercely, he always wanted to hear from others about theirs. Andy loved live music; playing cards or tennis with friends; travel and family vacations; working out; home improvement projects; walks with Katie and Hallie; hanging out with family and friends; and so much more. He truly loved every aspect of his life so deeply.
Andy is survived by his loving wife, Katie Rosch Hegedus; his sons, Clifford Steven Hegedus and Timothy Grady Hegedus; daughters-in-law, Grace and Megan Hegedus; and stepmother, Candice H. Hegedus; along with a host of beloved family members.
The family would like to thank Kevin, Jim, Wendy, his NWEA colleagues, the staff at Jefferson Oncology and Radiation, and the Vitas team, as well as many family members and friends who have helped.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations whose work Andy supported – Serviam Girls Academy, Resurrection Parish Delaware, the ACLU of Delaware, and Delaware CLASI. Please also consider paying forward Andy’s kindness by listening to a friend, and please thank an educator for the challenging and vital work they do.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a virtual celebration of life was held in honor of Andy on May 2nd, 2020 at 1 pm EST. If you were unable to attend or would like to view the celebration again, please visit the following link: https://vimeo.com/catholicphilly/review/412804034/d447ce1aa8.
Mary Louise Chesley-Cora
Dear Katie and family, I am greatly saddened to learn that Andy has left us. He was such an wonderful and courageous person. I feel blessed to have known him and can hear his cheerful voice even as I write this. You are in my prayers. You definitely have a new family “saint”. With love and peace. MaryLouise
Joe Graney
May the Good Lord continue to Bless You with many more Happy Memories!
Carol OHanlon-Boulden
To Mrs Kuhn, Mike,Michelle and entire family. My deepest sympathy. May your loved one Rest In Peace!!!
Amy Osik
Katie, I am so sorry to read this. Your entire family is in our thoughts. Amy Osik
Patrick Carroll
Katie: I am so sad to see this in today’s paper. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I don’t think I ever met your husband, but he was clearly an amazing man!
Patrick
Joseph Wise
Andy’s passing is such a loss to so many. We are all forever enriched by Andy’s wisdom, passion, love, and inspirations. I’m proud to have been able to call Andy a great friend, mentor, and colleague. Rest In Peace Andy. And, Godspeed to Katie, Tim, Cliff, Megan, Grace and your whole family. With much love, respect and gratitude.
Joey Wise
Joanne
I knew Andy from the Christina School District Administrative office. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Kay Lennon
Dear Katie and family, I am so sad for your loss. Though he is gone from your sight I know he is and will Always be in your heart and in the many hearts he touched. I pray the Lord will give you consolation and peace knowing that he is at peace with his Lord.
David Sundstrom
Katie and family– Words are simply so inadequate. Andy’s life was filled with so much purpose, love, and commitment to others, the loss that so many of us are feeling upon learning of his death is immeasurable. Please know that his life enriched the lives of so many, and that we have learned a lot from him when it comes to patience, caring and grace. Our thoughts are with you . . .
David
Rochelle Ballantyne
Mr. H helped raised some pretty cool kids. I’m a better person because I met Tim and I know that’s because he was raised by two loving, kind, thoughtful (and selfless) parents. Tim and I are going to become awesome lawyers one day and help enact the reform we always talked about. Rest easy Mr. H.
Margo Conlin
I am stunned, and deeply sorry for the family’s loss. Andrew’s father and my father were business associates way back in the Burroughs days. Connie and my mother were dear friends. We had many fun family times with the Hegedus family. Most sincerely, Margo Conlin
Jen Gilburg
Katie, Tim and Cliff, Grace and Megan- so very sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hegedus/Rosch clan as you deal with your loss. Giant virtual hugs to you all. Can’t wait to give you one In person. XO
Vicki Ono
Dear Katie and Family,
Words will never be enough to express the joys and blessings Andy has brought to our world. Words will never be enough to express the deep sadness of losing such a great man. The west-coast Holden-side of the family sends our deepest condolences. May good memories continue to comfort you and bring moments of joy for the rest of your lives. With Love from cousins, Vicki, Miyoko and Steven.
Betsy Rogers
Hegedus Family, My heart is with you all. I’m so saddened to hear of Andy’s illness and death, he was such a wonderful person.
Best to you all.
Betsy Rogers and family
Jane and Frank Bradley
Katy and family, we are so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing! You will be in our prayers!
Caren Anders
My husband Dave and I worked with Andy at the start of our careers at PECO. We have so many fond memories. I’m so sorry to hear this news and send you my deepest sympathy. …Caren Anders
Diane Casey
Dear Katie and family- I was so sad to hear about Andy’s passing. Although we haven’t been in close contact other than Christmas cards and Facebook, he will always have a special place in my heart having grown up with him. Lot’s of stories to share when things quiet down but for now know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane “Foley” Casey
John Hafycz
Dear Hegedus family,
I’m so sorry to hear that Andy has passed on. He was always such a joy both at work and outside of work. We will miss him dearly. Thoughts and prayers with you all! Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.
Love,
Hafycz Family
Christy Simmons
I am saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. I worked with him at NWEA, and I only got to see him a couple of times a year, at best. He always said hi when our paths crossed and he always teased me about my Texas accent. He tried to speak the same drawl, but his Northern roots just got in the way!! I will always smile when I think of my friend, Andy. May God give the family peace during this difficult time. Christy
Sue Munson
💔 Heartfelt condolences for your loss. I worked with Andy at NWEA. I value my memories of him.
Rest in Peace Andy.
Maryann Nieuweboer
Katie, Cliff & Tim,
I’m so to hear about Andy. This is such a shock! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
The Nieuweboer Family
Kay and Burt Palmer
To Andy’s family, I have been searching for the perfect words to send. But they are escaping me. Or maybe there are no perfect words. You all are in our hearts and prayers. We hope that all of the memories of Andy will fill your hearts with comfort and peace. Kay and Burt Palmer
Fran Rosch
We loved Andy very much and we were very lucky to have him as part of our family for almost 30 years! Andy was so many things but I agree that he was a great conversationalist and had so many different interests. Andy was dedicated to his family and career and created a wonderful life. We will miss him very much!
Lauren Clift
Andy, such a cheerleader for people’s dreams, such a fun and positive person, such a light in this life. I will miss him and all his encouragement and support he has given me throughout the years in every dream I ever pursued. He was a wonderful man who loved his family so much and loved talking about how proud he was of his children . I can’t imagine the loss you all are feeling, you are all in my thoughts. ❤️
Janet Spring
I was sorry to read about the passing of your husband. He was a wonderful support person for West Park Place and also the Christina School District. Although it has been a “few” years, I still remember his wonderful sense of humor. Your family will be in my prayers.
Janet Spring
Former Kindergarten teacher West Park Place Elementary
Greg & Martha Barrier
Dear Katie –
We are so sorry to hear about Andy’s passing and even more sad that we can not come to express our sympathies. Please know we are praying for you and your newly extended family. We always enjoyed our times hanging out with you both at various swim meets and in the community as the boys were growing up together. Andy was such a supportive dad and I know he is and will continue to be sorely missed by many.
With our deepest sympathy,
Greg and Martha
Kathy Dyer
Katie and family – Andy’s patience, grace and smile meant a lot to me. I found this Native American prayer when my father passed.
I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.
Thinking of you…Kathy
Chris Bubser
Dear Katie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Andy left a wonderful legacy through his work in education and through all of you.
May his memory be a blessing.
with love,
Chris Bubser, David, Sam and Ellie Baron
Barbara J. Helms
Dear Katie and family, Andy left a mark on the hearts and souls of anyone who met him. I had the great pleasure of working with him in Christina where he taught me and I hope I taught him a thing or two about research. When we met again years later and he brought me into Demosophia, I felt like a new light had gone on for me bringing back into a world I loved, research. I always knew that I had a friend in Andy and I cherish that knowledge. I loved the way he talked about you Katie, so much love and respect. And the way he talked about Tim and Cliff, with so much love and pride. I know you will miss him and know that you will not be alone. But always remember, no one really dies who lives on in the hearts of others. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Barbara
Barbara Kelly
Hi Katie, I was sent an email by Resurrection. I am so very sorry to hear about Andy. What a wonderful man. Since your boys were too young for my youth ministry when I moved to Rehoboth, I did not know them well. But sending my love to all of you.
I put the date for the virtual celebration on my calendar. Peace, love and joy, Barb Kelly
Dr. Lynne Kulich
I’m so honored to have met Andy and to have experienced his love and passion for others, especially educators. We all were blessed to have known him.
My deepest condolences,
Lynne
Sheila Smith
Katie and family,
I’m so sad to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Sheila Smith
Joan French
I am so sorry to hear about Andy. He was one of the good guys at Christina and I know his intentions were always for the good of the cause in whatever he did. I will miss seeing you together at local concerts and demonstrations. Thinking of you Katie and the kids at this difficult time.
Patricia Scanlan
Hi Katie,
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful partner. I’m glad you have the comfort of your family with you right now. My heart goes out to you.
Molly McCoy
Dear Katie, Tim and Cliff,
Sincere condolences for your loss. One can only aspire to live life the way Andy did – full of love, purpose and selflessness. The ripple effects of his life will continue to be felt by many.
Xoxo, Molly McCoy and David Fortin
Megan Sinnott
My sincerest condolences to Andy’s family. He was an incredibly bright and kind man. He was so thoughtful and patient teaching me how to explain our data to our educators. He had the best sense of humor and great laugh. I miss him so much. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Mark Duquette
Andy was an amazing guy and a phenomenal colleague. He will be sorely missed by all of us at NWEA and our partners he touched.
Lori Seelig
Andy was such an incredible person and he will be missed at NWEA. He was truly an “educator’s educator” and he really drilled down to the science of education. I have learned so much from him and his work. I will carry that forward and always think of him as I share his ideas in workshops with teachers and administrators everywhere.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Tamika Chambers
Dear Katie and family, thank you for sharing Andy with us over the years. We appreciated his light hearted spirit and driven toward change mindset. May he rest in heaven with a smile as looks down upon you and the family. You all are in my prayers and positive thoughts. God bless, Tamika
Mary Cullen
Dear Katie,
Wishing you and your family the consolation of the Holy Spirit as you celebrate Cliff’s life on earth. May your memories of your life together sustain you and give you peace.
Sue Dagenais
Dear Katie,
Andre and I were so sad to hear of Andy’s death. Even though we did not know Andy well, we will always remember his incredible gift of being fully present and how he pulled people into conversation. May God bless you and your family as you celebrate his life.
Holding you in my heart,
Sue
Maurice Pritchett
To Katie and The Hegedus Family: Juanita and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. May God’s warm hands of comfort be a source of peace during your time of need. Maurice and Juanita Pritchett
Arthur Halprin
I was so sad to hear of Andy’s passing and want to express my condolences to your whole family for your loss. Katie, you were so kind when Trudy passed away many years ago, and I hope you will not hesitate to lean on an old neighbor during this very difficult to time for you.
Kathy, Gerry, Eli and Helen Turkel
Dear Katie, Cliff and Tim,
We are so sorry about Andy’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. The current situation with COVID -19 makes everything so much more difficult. We are sorry that all of Andy’s family and many friends cannot gather in person to mourn his loss and celebrate his life. We are with you in spirit.
Much love to you,
The Turkels
Bettina and Hugo Riveros
With our deepest sympathy and our prayers
Elaine B Butterfoss
Katie, Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.
Holding you all with love,
Elaine Butterfoss and Donald Drane
Patty and Tony Zaza
Dear Katie
We are so saddened for your loss of Andrew. The seasons are God’s way of helping us understand, that our moments of pain will pass; as the cold turns into warmth; as spring follows the winters in our lives and sorrow transforms into gratitude as memories unfold; as time softens the edges of grief and eases the burden of loss…Please know of our thoughts and prayers, as you and your family pass through this difficult season in your lives. God Bless you. Tony and Patty
Scott and Lisa Andres
Katie and family, Sorry to hear about Andy. Sending thoughts and prayers. Scott and Lisa Andres
Robert Heffernan
Katie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. The few times we got together I could see Andy’s love for you and the joy you found in each other. From our family to yours, our deepest sympathies. Rob, Mary, Margaret, and Faith.
Mark Heim
Dear Katie, Tim and Cliff
The Celebration of Life is just wrapping up with a replay of the amazing slide show and I wanted to let you know what a powerful and meaningful tribute it was to Andy. The photos brought back wonderful memories and the eulogies were both meaningful and for me personally a real challenge to try to live up to the ideals that Andy showed all of us. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you but I hope you can take some comfort in the outpouring of love that was evident throughout the service.
Peace,
Mark
Angela Seguin
Hegedus Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Andy was an amazing man. Cliff and Tim, your eulogies were absolutely beautiful. I hope that you are comforted by amazing memories and the love of friends and family. I couldn’t participate in the Zoom because of another commitment but made slug juice in Andy’s honor. The whole Seguin family – Chris, me, Jordan & Ellie – send all of our love to you all as you navigate the coming weeks and months. XO
Anne Udall
Katie, Tim, Cliff, Megan, Grace, Candice and family–what I most remember during the years I had the deep honor of working with Andy at NWEA was his great love of all of you. His joy in being a dad, a husband, a son was a light that shone every time I was with him. He talked about all of you ALL the time! I loved that unique smile and sense of humor of his that could transform a room any time he was in it. HIs intellect and problem solving skills made every conversation worth having. The world is an emptier place without Andy and I feel for your loss. Your faith and each other will be the path forward. Anne
Alison Macindoe
How very sorry we were to hear about Andy. He was an amazing man. Peri, Cailey and I offer our condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts.
Indy Goldberg
Dear Katie -thinking of you and your family during these most difficult times, and wishing you comfort and peace of mind in the weeks and months to come. xo Indy