BERKELEY – A GoFundMe set up for an 18-year-old Bayville man has raised thousands of dollars for a memorial fund.
Andrew Patrick Needham was driving on Route 532 in Woodland Township on November 26 when his car went off the road. It veered to the right, struck several trees and overturned, according to police.
To remember his life, the family has set up the Andrew Patrick Needham Vocational Education Scholarship Fund. You can donate to it by clicking here.
“In his 18 years, Andrew brought laughter, humor and so much love to all who knew him. His family and friends are devastated at his loss and fully intend to honor his memory in the most meaningful ways we know how,” said the fundraiser organizer, Barbara Leitner.
“We have created this GoFundMe page as a result of the overwhelming requests for a way to best support our family during this heartbreaking time. We have made the decision to establish the Andrew Patrick Needham Vocational Education Scholarship Fund for students with (individualized education plans) who wish to continue their education and prepare for their career,” she said.
“Andrew was supported by countless professionals from early intervention through High School, who worked diligently and tirelessly with John, Bridgette, Brandon and our entire family to ensure he knew success. Andrew graduated in June of 2021, a vision and fact we are so incredibly proud of. We want his legacy, our love and our pride for him to extend to other young adults and families as they begin to carve out the foundation for their futures.
“The family would like to extend our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support following Andrew’s death. Our hearts and lives are forever changed, his memory is forever ingrained in our souls,” she said.
According to his obituary, he was known for his “wicked sense of humor, sarcasm, quick wit, infectious laugh, and impish grin. To know Andrew was to love him. Andrew’s great loves were his guitar, music, gaming, adventure, his family, BUD & FOOD, Pru-Bear his kitty and the greatest love of his life, his girlfriend, Emily.”
Andrew was working at the Wawa on Route 70 in Lakewood and was attending the Ocean County Vocational Technical School-Jackson enrolled in Electrical Trade/Integrated/Cabling II.
He is survived by his parents: John Needham Sr., Bridgette, and Brandon Heeren; siblings; Amanda and Chris Pardo, Donica Camporeale, John Needham Jr, Kristina Needham; Grandparents; Peggyann and George Bankston; Aunt: Barbara and David Leitner; Uncle: Sean and Maceala Murray; Aunt/Godmother; Lisa Murray; Nephews: Zakary, AJ, and Tristan Pardo; Cousins: Brandon and Alexis Murray, Chelsea Needham, Kennedy and Caeden Leitner. Andrew is predeceased by his grandparents; Dennis Murray and John and Judy Neeham.
His Celebration of Life party will be held on Saturday, December 4 at the Days Hotel by Wyndam on Route 37 in Toms River from 3-6 p.m. All are welcome to attend to share stories, memories and support. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the GoFundMe.
The family will receive family and friends on December 3 from 4-8 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals – O’Connell Chapel, 706 US Hwy. 9, Bayville. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting ryanfuneralhome.com.
