Andrew Leonard Zephir

Andrew Leonard Zephir April 18,1971-April 2, 2021 Andrew Leonard Zephir was born on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands at Knud Hansen Hospital on April 18, 1971 to Louise Thomas of Todman Estate Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Mario Zephir of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He had 3 brothers, Tyrone Gumbs, Keyron Zephir and one who preceded him in death, Desmond Cuffy-Callwood. He has 3 sisters Laverne Zephir, Kisma Callwood and Kenisha Zephir. Andrew did well in school and was a hard worker. He attended Kirwan Terrace Elementary School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and both Eudora Kean High School and Charlotte Amalie High School. While attending High School Andrew worked a part-time job with Hyatt Hotel in St. John as a Waiter/Server. He enjoyed his job and his ability to earn his own money. He graduated with the Class of 1990 of Charlotte Amalie High School. Although, he enjoyed working at Hyatt Andrew wanted to explore new opportunities and decided to enlist in the US Army. However, due to a knee injury he was given a medical discharge and was unable to pursue a military career. Although disappointed, he did not let that deter his desire to fulfill his dreams. He attended college at the University of the Virgin Islands and was working towards a degree in Business while working as a waiter at Bacci’s in St. Thomas. This is where he acquired a love of wine and fine dining. While working towards his degree Andrew started dating Marlene Jackson and their relationship led to the birth of two beautiful children, Geran Zephir and Imani Zephir. In order to provide a better life for his new family he took on a second job as a Manager at McDonalds. After hurricane Marilyn damaged many parts of the Virgin Islands in 1995, Bacci’s closed permanently and Andrew accepted a position as a Waiter at Grand Palazzo Hotel (now Ritz Carlton St. Thomas). After working at Grand Palazzo for a couple years Andrew relocated to Georgia in 1998 in search of greater opportunities. Once in Georgia he worked a few waiter jobs before he was hired with AT&T. He was extremely excited for his initial position with AT&T as Technician. His hard work, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills aided him in acquiring various promotions within AT&T. While residing in Atlanta Andrew met and started a relationship with Kimberly Murphy. Kimberly gave birth to Andrew’s last daughter Jaliyah Murphy. He retired from his position as a Communications Manager with AT&T in 2013. He then moved back to St. Thomas in 2013 and accepted a position with Innovative (VIYA) as a Communications Manager. Although he loved being back home in St. Thomas Andrew desired to be closer to his children who had relocated to Florida. So at the end of 2014 he resigned his position with Innovative and relocated to Florida to be near his children. After moving to Florida Andrew worked as an AT&T Contract Employee as a Communications Engineer before accepting his current AT&T position as a Communications Manager in December 2020. In December of 2020 Andrew contracted Covid from an unknown source. He was admitted to the hospital on January 1, 2021. He remained in the hospital for 3 months in ICU due to Covid related complications. Although, recently Andrew had made a positive turn in his recovery, he unfortunately lost the battle with Covid on April 2, 2021 at the age of 49 just 16 days shy of his 50th Birthday. Andrew was a loving, kind, caring, compassionate, sociable, outspoken, hard working, generous, friendly, helpful, joyful, devoted, supportive, protective person who enjoyed cooking, baking, photography, wine, music, spending time with his family and friends. He was kind-hearted and would give you anything you needed if he could. He was a devoted father and dedicated his life to being the best father possible to his kids. He was a loving son and showered his mom, Louise with all the love and attention she could handle. He was the best brother to all of his siblings, always a listening ear, protector, supporter, and always there to help in whatever way he could. He was the greatest uncle to his nieces and nephews, always making them feel as though they were his own kids and that they were so special. Andrew was the greatest friend. He loved his friends and always treated them as family, especially Todd, Capers, Donley, and Tunkie to name a few. Andrew loved everyone and in return was loved by many. His presence in our lives will be forever missed. Rest in Heavenly Peace. John 11:25-26 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

Andrew Leonard Zephir

April 18, 1971 - April 2, 2021