Alfred Eugene Andersen, 70, of Vero Beach, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 17, 2016.
He is survived by his mother, Clara Renna; children Dawn Andersen-Seaman (Robert Seaman) of West Simsbury, Conn., Eric Andersen of Vero Beach, and Sarah Andersen with her fiancé Dennis Blacksmith of Orlando; grandchildren Blair, Shelby, Michael and William Seaman all of West Simsbury, Conn.; sisters Vivian Gruskos (Hank Gruskos) and Charlotte Kilduff (Ronald Kilduff) both of Vero Beach, and Nancy Thompson (Theodore Thompson) of New Milford, Conn.; close personal friend Judy Ashley of Vero Beach; former wife Susan Berner (mother of Eric and Sarah Andersen) of Orlando; and many wonderful aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Alfred Marinus Andersen, Dorothy Griffin (mother of Dawn Andersen-Seaman) and niece Darla Jackson.
Andersen was a beloved son, father, brother and uncle.
For more than 40 years, he was a fixture in the community. A businessman, caring friend, and devoted father, he loved life and he loved people. That love could be heard in his jovial laugh and felt in his powerful grip when you shook his hand. Andersen met very few strangers, and he worked hard to make sure of that – always eager to strike up a conversation with someone new.
An antique and collectible enthusiast and lover of all things rare and unique, Andersen owned and operated various businesses during his 20 years as an entrepreneur in Vero Beach. His businesses included: Al’s Other Market, located in the old Florida Theater on 14th Avenue; an auction house he referred to as Al’s Other “Other” Market – he was always searching for a laugh; and Al’s Used Furniture on 12th Street.
While he loved business, he loved his family more. That love is reflected in the admiration his children have for their father. Over the years, there have been many roads traveled, but life’s journey has always led back to clear skies and a safe harbor of love and laughter found in the heart of their father.
Sarah Ruth, the youngest, will always remember being her father’s little helper – always lending a hand. While his son Eric remembers his father as his hero, it was Al who would often say to Eric, “You’re my hero, Bud.” Dawn Marie, the eldest, may have been separated by distance, but she was never far from his thoughts and heart. He loved them all deeply.
Services will be held at the Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach on Tuesday, April 26, with visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. and a memorial service commencing at 6 p.m. Following the memorial service, there will be a reception located in The Plaza next to the funeral home.
In honor of his spirit, flowers and cards can be sent to Strunk Funeral Home or a donation to The American Heart Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or charity of your choice.