Andrew Sturm Obituary

Andrew Sturm MT. PLEASANT - Andrew Sturm, 52, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully on September 22. The son of Mary Catherine McBride and the late Robert H. Sturm, Andy is survived by his mother; wife, Mindy; children, Andrea and Nathaniel; sister, Cynthia (Jeff) Mazanec; niece Alyssa (Jordan) Fox and nephew Harrison Mazanec; aunts, Madeline Dunleavy, Kay Fazio, Anne Bibb Ruble, BJ Dietz, Nance Sturm; and uncle, Ron Fazio. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Diana Warren and sister-in-law, Shelly Warren, along with many close cousins and friends. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 30, 1972, Andy grew up on Isle of Palms. He spent time as a boy exploring the dunes, driving his sail cart on the beach, and cruising the waterways on a jet ski, creating countless memories with his beloved island friends. Andy attended Christchurch School in Virginia, where he continued to make memories along the water, sailing the Rappahannock as well as participating in sports. After attending Florida Atlantic University, Andy worked for Senator Fritz Hollings for several years before settling permanently in the Charleston area. He joined his father at SIMCO Group, where he managed investments and served as a property manager. Andy was mischievous, introspective, dependable, and quietly funny. He had a passion for researching topics of interest in depth, particularly space and the sky. He spent many hours studying the moon and stars through his telescope and spent even more time walking the beach during meteor showers and other astronomical events, with a camera in tow. A skilled photographer, Andy had the patience to wait for the perfect shot and the experience to capture it. Andy loved sitting behind the wheel of his boat, sunglasses on, feeling the wind and the sun. He never got tired of watching the sun rise and photographed it hundreds of times. He liked being awake when others were asleep. He loved watching storms and knew more about the Saffir-Simpson scale than any meteorologist. He loved fast cars and his basement man cave. He liked steak, Coca Colas, Eggs Benedict and Bloody Marys. He often played practical jokes on those he loved, and he was good and patient enough to wait for the punchline. More than anything else, Andrew loved his family. His wife and children were his world, and he was theirs. He was happiest taking care of them, and as a family they spent time together boating, going to the beach, and traveling to memorable family vacations. Andrew enjoyed golfing with his son and playing tennis with his daughter. He once took his mother-in-law to a live taping of her favorite show, The Price is Right. He and his late father-in-law, Mike Warren, clicked instantly and remained close. Andrew's devotion to his family extended to many beloved pets over the years. Though he loved them all, it was no secret Chelsea and Bandit were his favorites. A private celebration of life was held on September 29th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Andrew's memory be directed to Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406.