Andrew Edmund Kreek Jr

Andrew E. Kreek, Jr., a Vietnam veteran and long-time resident of Summerville, SC, passed away on June 18, 2024 surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Andy, as he was always known by many, was born March 19, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, to Andrew and Lucille (Mulhall) Kreek. Andy attended Weldon E. Howitt High School where he participated in Chess Club, Freshman Football, Junior Varsity Baseball, and Varsity Basketball. In 1965, Andy graduated from the Citadel with a B.A. in Political Science, he then went on to earn a Masters degree in Public Administration from NYU, and years later, a Masters degree in Early Childhood Development from Stony Brook University. After graduating from NYU, Andy enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer Unit Commander, eventually earning several accolades, including: a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, along with two Overseas Service bars in recognition of his two tours during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam and Okinawa, Andy documented much of his experience by taking poignant photographs and writing detailed and often fascinating notes on the backs. Andy was honorably discharged from military service in August of 1971 as a Captain 0-3. In the wake of his military career, Andy began a long and rewarding career that would span 33 years, as a public servant with the Port Authority of NY & NJ. Through his life, Andy devoted much of his time to various fraternal and charitable organizations including the Knights of Colombus, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Goose Creek Honor Guard, the Lake George Land Conservancy, and the Summerville Orchestra Board, to name a few. Andy was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Lucille Kreek, as well as his sister, Patricia (Jerry) Dieterich. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Kreek along with her daughters Christina Giuliano, and Diana (Justin) DePasquale, and 5 grandchildren, his brother Michael (Leslie) Kreek, his sons Dr. Andrew (Jennifer) Kreek, Jr., Matthew Kreek, and Gregory (Samantha) Kreek, his daughter Julie (Chris) Chism, as well as nine grandchildren. What was most important to Andy was his commitment to family, faith, and country. He had incredible discipline in all aspects of his life and a proclivity for service to others ranging from coaching sports and mentoring youth, to environmental conservation. He often surprised people with his warm heart and selflessness, especially those who knew him for his candor and his unapologetic authenticity. In fact, many who became friends--and in some instances family--remained so for life. Andy had a respect and devotion for unrelenting stoicism, deviating only when he felt the health or safety of loved ones were in jeopardy. Andy’s family is eternally grateful to his wife, Phyllis, for her compassion, her nurturing nature, and the adventures they experienced side-by-side through their golden years. She supported and shared many of his passions such as devoting time to various church ministries, conservation, and community programs, golf, spectator sports, exercise, and philanthropy. Phyllis has taken great care in coordinating a memorial service to honor Andy’s life, his military service, and his love of family. His wake is to be held at James A. Dyal Funeral home, Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 6-8pm. Monday, June 24th will be his funeral mass at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church at noon. His burial and military honors will take place at Carolina Memorial Gardens directly after mass. followed by a reception at the Goose Creek American Legion Post 166 at 4pm.

Andrew Edmund Kreek Jr

March 19, 1943 - June 18, 2024