Andrew "Andy" Francis Sparrow, 42, formerly of Kirkland, IL passed away on November 13, 2014 in Delray Beach, FL. He was born on May 26, 1972, in Sycamore, IL to Eugene "Gene" and Kathleen "Kathy" (Sabin) Sparrow.
At a young age he became fascinated with the outdoors. While most kids wanted to relax during their time away from school, Andrew was a happy Boy Scout and of course had to move on to an Eagle Scout. He was always inventive and resourceful. As a child and as he grew into manhood, he maintained his skills. The family used to joke, that if they were to ever be stranded on a deserted island than he was the one they wanted to be stranded with because they knew their chances of survival were greatly improved. His determination and "thinking outside of the box" were some of his best qualities.
He spent some of his summers working at his cousins business, Brennan Cattle Company "The Yards" and jumped at any chance he had to work for his Uncle David on his farm. Carpentry was another passion of his and he learned a lot of his skills from his Grandpa Arnie.
Andrew attended K-12 at Kirkland Hiawatha. He went on to play football at Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. After graduating, with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he moved to Minnesota to work for Micron Inc. He loved the bitter cold, tons of snow and ice fishing was one of his favorite pastimes. After spending nearly a decade in the deep freeze, Andrew moved to the warmth of Fort Lauderdale, FL to work at Citrix Systems.
In 2007, Andrew was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and was now forced to start dialysis 4 days a week for 5 hours a day up until the day he took his last breath. Regardless, you would never know Andrew was sick. He always kept a smile on his face, and did not let his illness disrupt his life in Florida with his new found friends which were like a second family to him when he needed their aide. He was so determined to live a normal life that he would have his dialysis treatments flown to his never missed Canadian fishing trips with the guys.
In 2011, Andrew's best friend, Chad Creasey, didn't think twice before donating his kidney to Andrew. At first, the kidney worked flawlessly and Andrew was doing great, however, during the surgery a rare infection was introduced into his body and unfortunately, the kidney needed to be removed a month later. Once again, Andrew was back on dialysis, however this time his sister, Erin, relocated to Florida and got trained on "at home" dialysis treatments. He no longer had to go to the treatment centers and could stay comfortably at home while Erin assisted him with dialysis. She never left his side.
Prior to the transplant he had begun working for a company called Infoblox. Working from home full time and now being able to do dialysis at home, he started feeling much better about life and work. Infoblox was so impressed with his performance that he was offered a promotion to transfer to Texas for his dream job. Andrew was as happy as he could be. His best friend, Chad, just transferred to Texas as well. Erin, mom, and his little Dolce, were all ready to take the journey with him and Andrew couldn't be more ecstatic.
Four days before the move, Andrew passed away peacefully. Through persistence, at the young age of 42, Andrew enjoyed more life on this earth than those who have lived lengthy lives.
Today should not be a day to mourn, but a day to celebrate. Andrew wouldn't want it any other way. Besides, Andrew was the happiest he had been in years and is now an angel to look over all of us that enjoyed life with him on earth.
Andrew is survived by his mother Kathy and sister Erin Sparrow both of Delray Beach, FL. His Grandmother, Ida Sabin of Rochelle, IL. Several Uncles and Aunts: Guy & Joyce Sparrow, Monroe Center, IL; Greg & Jenny Sparrow Rochelle, IL; Maureen (Sparrow) Firkins & David Firkins Kirkland, IL; Kent (Connie) Sabin, Rochelle, IL; Kim (Sabin) Ristow & Bob Ristow Appleton, WI. Several cousins: Sean (Kim) Sparrow, Josh (Lindsey) Sparrow, Aidan (Firkins) Tangerose, Christin Firkins, Tom (Zaine) Sparrow, Kevin Sparrow, Grant Sabin, Cara Sabin, Christin Firkins and Amy (Melius) Andrew Pankow.
Andrew was preceded in death by his father Eugene "Gene" Sparrow; his paternal grandparents Guy and Winnifred "Winnie" (Brennan) Sparrow; his maternal grandfather Arnold Sabin and his cousin Daniel "Danny" Firkins.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Church, by Father Ahles, followed by a luncheon at the church. Andrew was cremated and will be buried on Tuesday May 26, 2015 (his birthday) at 9:45 a.m. in the Maple Cemetery in Kirkland, IL along with his father Gene Sparrow.