Andrew Jude Easton's Obituary
It is with sincere regret that we announce the passing of Andrew J. Easton on May 1, 2026. Known by many as “AJ”, “Papa Bear”, “Dad”, “Daddy E”, “Pops” and his absolute favorite name “Grandpa”, Andrew was highly regarded for his humor, resilience, loyalty, authenticity, and genuine warmth. His unexpected departure has left a significant void among those who valued his presence.
Despite his time with us being brief, Andrew’s legacy endures through the positive impact he made on all who knew him.
Born on September 3, 1954, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he lived a life rooted in service, family, laughter, and unwavering love for the people around him. He proudly served in the military, carrying that same sense of dedication, strength, and integrity into every chapter of his life.
Andrew served with honor and distinction in the US Navy for 20 years as an Avionics Technician (AT) where he fell in love with Naval Aviation. He followed his passion to assignments on multiple aircraft carriers and duty stations in Tennessee, Washington, Hawaii, Japan, and Maryland.
Upon retirement, he continued to leverage his experience with electronics and compulsion to tinker into a career in cybersecurity. By perfectly pairing his knowledge of naval aviation with his information technology insights he helped to ensure new and emerging aircraft capabilities were protected from cyber threats. He served dutifully in this capacity as a federal civil servant for 10 additional years before retiring from Naval Air Systems Command in 2024.
His impact went far beyond the technical and he taught, coached, and mentored every step of the way leaving an indelible personal and professional legacy across his career.
Tucked between treasured family photos on his phone were an almost alarming number of pictures of naval aircraft, proving that fighter jets ranked just slightly below his family in the hierarchy of things he loved most.
Andrew believed deeply in perseverance and leading by example. He earned his college degree at the age of 59, proving to his children and grandchildren that it is never too late to pursue your goals, continue growing, or bet on yourself.
To know Andrew was to know warmth, laughter, and presence. He had a personality that could fill any room. He appreciated music, valued storytelling, engaged thoughtfully with those close to him, and found satisfaction in everyday moments that others might miss.
Above all else, he loved his family fiercely. He was a devoted husband to Thora “JoAnne”, a proud father to Malika and Lyndon, a deeply loved grandfather to Asana and Ryker, a brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend to all. His family was his greatest joy, and the love he poured into them will continue to guide and sustain them in the years ahead.
He is survived by his wife Thora, daughter Malika, his son Lyndon, daughter-in-law Krishna, and his grandchildren Asana, and Ryker.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lyndon R. and Marguerite Easton, his brothers LaMarion and Jerome Marchman, and his sister Linda Szudora.
Honoring Andrew's request, a formal funeral will not be held. A gathering to celebrate his life will be planned to be held in Maryland, with details to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations supporting veterans or causes meaningful to you. But perhaps the best way to honor Andrew is to celebrate him the way he lived: play the music loud, roll the windows down, laugh often, love your people fiercely, and never miss an opportunity to enjoy the ride.
May we carry his laughter, his music, his stories, and his love with us always.
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
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