Andrew S. Litak
November 17, 1956 – August 4, 2023
Andrew Stanislaw “Andy” Litak, 66, died on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia after a long illness.
Andrew (Andy) was born on November 17, 1956, in Poland to Emil Litak and Stanislawa (Stella) Litak. White in Poland his father taught Physics and Chemistry and was also a school principal and his mother taught mathematics. Andy gained his B.S., in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania and had a successful career as an Engineer. Andy worked for Thompson Electronics (formerly RCA) and Lockheed Martin. He married Gladys Chikobo Kapande, his sweetheart, as he affectionately called her. Gladys runs her own business called Angel Group Home Assisted Living and Blessing Group Home LLC, for Elderly people. They have been married for 10 years.
Andrew was an adventurer who loved to travel and experienced different cultures in his travels. He wanted to learn Gladys’s Zambian language and asked most of the Zambians he met to teach him. The first word he learned was unfortunately not a pleasant word as he asked the wrong person. Andy loved to ride his motorbikes. He often traveled with his beloved dog, Bart, who was his travel companion before he met Gladys. Andy loved cruising on his boat, he also loved to swim and golf.
Andrew is survived by his wife Gladys; his brother, Peter, and his wife, Karen; sister, Grace, and her husband, Joe; nieces Katie and Alexandra; nephews Brent, Alexander, Pierce, and Nicholas.
A viewing will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Affinity Funeral Service – Mechanicsville Chapel, 8074 Mechanicsville Tnpk, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 with the Reverend Tracy Clarke officiating. Donations and condolences may be offered at Angel Group Homes.
Click here to view the live-streamed funeral service for Andrew S. Litak.
THANK YOU
Gladys would like to express her appreciation to everyone who supported her in prayers, notes of condolences and encouragement, phone calls, and presence during this so difficult time. Gladys would like to give special thanks to first of all her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for carrying her through, Evance Chanda, Gladys Jones, Mabel Kasaini, Jackie, Maureen, Mrs. Edwina Richmond, her sweet Patricia, Lynette and her mother, Mrs. Harriett Chitalu, Bishop Matilda Safwali, Milika in South Africa, my auntie Martha Musonda (AKA small mother). Munta in Zambia and her staff in both Zambia and the United States, my family in Zambia and England, and around the world. You all have no idea how much you made lighted this heavy load I was carrying.
Our condolences from us to you Chikobo and the Litak Family. May God strengthen in this trying moment.
Mr and Mrs Simbeye
Sometimes the fact of someone’s death helps restore what was piece by piece lost or weakened during a person’s life. As the image of disease and suffering fades, the deeper, older layers and memories become more visible. And then we see Andy / Andrzej. Tall, seemingly calm, but rebel inside; not speaking much, but holding his cheeky smile. Travelling with Andy in late 90. resulted with the revelation that with some people silence can be very comfortable, that you can drive hundreds of miles in one day just to experience something you find interesting. He was a great driver, (Magda is following some of his „moves” today); also his preference for the manual transmission and the belief that some „no turn” signs don’t apply to tourists. He is part of one of our best memories – roller coaster rides, getting completely wet at the Niagara Falls, night walks in Washington, fishing in the Wallenpaupack Lake & buying fishing worms from an automat, maple syrup mishap and many others. Monika remembers him smoking Newports as the most handsome badass in the world. He was kind, witty, sociable, caring (Maria appreciates his warmth and care when she worked in the USA). He is leaving us all here, escapes the earthly suffering, but he leaves us with all the memories we made together. We are glad that we could meet him on our way. Thank you Andy!
In loving memory. The Stec Family.
So touching and beautiful!
A Tribute to a Remarkable Lady and Friend Gladys & her Husband Mr. Andrew Litak ❤️ ♥️ 💙 😭🙏🏼
In the face of adversity, true love shines its brightest. Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the life of Gladys’s beloved husband, Andrew. Their journey was one of unwavering commitment, compassion, and strength, as Gladys cared for him with boundless love during his years of illness. Let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact their extraordinary bond had on us all.
At the core of any great love story lies the selflessness and dedication we witnessed in Gladys and Andrew. For three years, Gladys stood as a pillar of strength, offering unwavering support through every challenge that came their way. Her love knew no bounds, and she stood firmly by her husband’s side, providing comfort, care, and solace during his most difficult moments.
In sickness and in health, Gladys exemplified what it truly means to be a devoted partner. Her unwavering commitment was nothing short of extraordinary. She selflessly put her own needs aside, making countless sacrifices to ensure her husband’s comfort and well-being. Throughout the journey, her love acted as a guiding light, offering hope, tenderness, and an unbreakable bond that provided solace during their darkest hours.
Beyond the physical challenges they faced, Gladys and Andrew shared a profound emotional connection. Their love was a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of finding strength in one another. Through tears and laughter, they created cherished memories, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing every precious moment life grants us.
Gladys’s love and dedication extended far beyond the walls of their home. Her unwavering support and compassion touched the lives of those around her, inspiring us to be better, kinder, and more compassionate. She taught us that true love extends beyond the boundaries of time and space, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Today, as we bid farewell to Mr. Andrew Litak let us remember the remarkable love that Gladys and he shared. May we find solace in knowing that their love story will forever be etched in our hearts, a testament to the power of unwavering devotion. Let us carry their legacy forward by embracing love, compassion, and resilience, knowing that even in the face of adversity, love has the power to transcend and heal.
Dear Gladys, as you grieve know that you are not alone. We join you in celebrating and honouring the memory of Andy – we are truly sorry for your loss. May God, our God hold you close all through life’s journey. Hugs and prayers from Milika, Kalaba, Bupe, Buseko and Mutembo.
Sorry Gladys for your loss. Know that we are mourning with you. May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. Your hubby fought a good fight, won the race and kept the faith. He gained his wings and will always be your guiding Angel. We thank our dear Lord for granting you the strength while taking care of him. You are a strong woman Gladys.