Andrew Patrick Sugarick

Erwin –Andrew Patrick Sugarick, Captain United States Army (Retired) of Erwin, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly late Wednesday night, September 30, 2020, at The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He was 84.

Born March 17, 1936, in Centerville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Andrew S. and Ann Marie Gorence Sugarick. 

Andrew met the love of his life, Marge, in 1962. After a brief courtship of only seven weeks, they married and raised four daughters. Andrew was a very loving and supportive husband and father. He was known for his strength, intelligence, charm, quick wit and dry sense of humor. Andrew was very compassionate and cared for his family and friends deeply. He had a strong sense of loyalty and was a formidable force, when protecting those he loved and cared for. Andrew could always be counted on when he encountered someone in need. 

Captain Sugarick began his career in the military in April of 1956, when he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Phalsbourg, France during this time. After four years with the Air Force, Andrew decided on a career with the United States Army and ended up in the Special Forces. After receiving the rank of Specialist Fourth Class, he was sent to Vietnam. During his first tour in Vietnam Captain Andrew Sugarick (then Specialist Fourth Class) was awarded the Silver Star on April 28th, 1965 for gallantry in action while engaged with military operations in the Republic of Vietnam on April 20, 1964. It was noted that he demonstrated perseverance, bravery and professional competence while serving as a Replacement Advisor to a Vietnamese Strike Force Patrol. The group had been harassed by the VietCong for 19 consecutive days, as it penetrated deep into insurgent-controlled territory. He demonstrated complete disregard for his own safety and courageously defended the landing zone that he helped construct. After Andrew’s first tour in Vietnam he went back to the United States where he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of OCS, he was promoted to 2nd lieutenant. Andrew returned to Vietnam for a second tour. 

After Andrew’s retirement from the military he moved to Fayetteville North Carolina where he owned and operated Cedar Creek Heating and Air. 

Andrew is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Margaret Sugarick of Erwin, North Carolina; three daughters, Susan Bricker and husband, Scott, of Yadkinville, NC, Melinda Sugarick of Erwin, NC, Karen Brown and husband, Phillip, of Kittery, Maine; Six grandchildren, Sarah Ruth and Emma Grace Bricker, Andrew Brown and wife Alicia, Ashton and Aathan Brown, Nancy Margaret Sugarick III; seven great grandchildren Nancy (Maggie), Justin (Junior) and lily, Ryder, Maple, Chaya and Forest; three sisters, Delores Willsey of Cooperstown, Caroline Carnicelli and husband, Paul of Anchorage, Alaska, and Patricia S. Ryan of Cooperstown, Sister-in-law Evelyn Lee and husband Norwood (Deceased) of Erwin, NC and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Margaret Sugarick, Jr., who died December 22, 1989.

A memorial service for Captain Sugarick will be offered at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at West and Dunn Funeral Home Chapel of Erwin, NC. A visitation will be held one hour prior. It is respectfully requested that all attending please wear a face covering and to observe proper social distancing in order to stay in compliance with North Carolina COVID law.

Mr. Sugarick will be laid to rest with his daughter in Erwin Memorial Park, Erwin, North Carolina. 

Those with tender hearts are oftentimes the bravest, especially those that show compassion to the most defenseless of living creatures. Andrew was no exception to this rule. Andrew loved animals of every kind but especially dogs. Due to his love for animals, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local animal shelter, or adopting an animal from a high kill shelter. 

Services have been entrusted to West and Dunn Funeral Home in Erwin, North Carolina.

Condolences can be made to www.westanddunn.com

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