Joseph F. D'Andrea

An accomplished, gracious, and generous man; one who touched the hearts of an untold number of people around the world during his 94 years, has left us.  Joseph F. D’Andrea passed away on December 22, 2023.

Joseph was born in the mountainous village of Roccamandolfi, Molise, Italy, on November 19, 1929.   Upon surviving WWII as a teenager, Joseph immigrated to the United States, when he was 18.

The next year, he enrolled at Duquesne University, where he received his B.S. in Public Administration and Foreign Languages.   Upon his graduation, he pursued a teaching career, working in the Moon Area School District.  In 1969, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  His deep involvement in furthering teachers’ and students’ rights led to his becoming President of the PA State Education Assoc.

He was elected to the Board of Directors of the NEA, where he became their spokesman, traveling to over 45 different countries.  In his capacity at the NEA, he met and befriended many politicians, including the late Senator John Heinz.

Through his warm and welcoming personality, Joseph made countless friends.   The friends that he was particularly thankful for were his former students, many of whom stayed in touch with him his whole life.

After his many contributions to education, he was appointed to the position of Honorary Consul of Italy in W. PA where he worked tirelessly to help immigrant families adapt to their new home and coordinate correspondence with the government of Italy.   In 2009, Joseph received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Robert Morris University.

Throughout his life, Joseph had many accomplishments as an educator, activist, community leader and representative of Italian American organizations.   In his own words, “I navigated a lot of waters since I got off of the boat.” Joseph’s impact on the lives he touched in every phase of his life will undoubtedly have a ripple effect that will last for generations.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Anne, his brother Lucio (Edvige), and numerous nieces and nephews.   His beloved wife Gloria, who was by his side and provided the love and support necessary, for all great men to accomplish so much, with dignity and grace, preceded him in death in 2021.

The family extends its deep gratitude to the employees of Marian Manor and Vincentian Home, for the wonderful care that they provided Joseph in his final years.  Contributions can be made in his name to the Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  Arrangements entrusted to R. D. Copeland, Ltd., Coraopolis, PA.

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