Andrew James Berenty, age 83 years, of Delaware Township, NJ, was called home by the Lord on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Born on May 17, 1940, at home in Clarence, PA, son of the late Stephen and Julia Fordick Berenty, Andy was the ninth child of thirteen siblings. From his early days, he faced the challenges of a tough childhood as a son of a coalminer. At the early age of 16 he assumed the role of head of household when his father died suddenly at the age of 54. From childhood, Andy’s strong faith in God would be deeply grounded in his Catholic faith, his spirituality shaping every aspect of his life. He found solace and inspiration in attending Mass, where he communed with God and fostered his relationship with his Creator.

After graduating high school, and a move to New Brunswick, Andy would meet his soulmate, Valerie Elizabeth Valla. These best friends would share the next sixty plus years together, inspiring all who met them. Entering the sacrament of marriage on September 8, 1962, at St. Ladislaus Church, New Brunswick, NJ, their union would bring them five children-Laura, Audrey, Edie, Andy and Linda, who were the pride of their parent’s lives and an immense source of joy and light to both Valerie and Andy.

Andy would find work with Xerox, rising the ranks and using his “jack of all trades” knowledge to become one of the company’s premier field technicians with him earning the reputation of being able to solve any mechanical problem a client was experiencing. He was well respected by both his colleagues and the clients alike and worked for more than forty years until retiring.

Andy instilled the virtues of hard work, perseverance, determination, and generosity into each of his children. He listened intently, shared his wisdom, and showed them through his own life, how being true to your convictions is the only way to live a genuine and impactful life.

His children would give he and Valerie the greatest gift ever when they made them grandparents and great grandparents. To show their love and support, they always made a point to attend every activity and accomplishment. “Pop Pop’s Boot Camp” was something each one of the younger generations both feared and revered at the same time. Whether it be gardening or home improvements, Andy taught them the value of genuine hard work and life skills, bringing them true reward; always striving to make it fun along the way!

This gentle giant’s heart knew no bounds with family, friends, and strangers, and his knack for turning any situation into a joyful experience, bringing laughter and light to all who were fortunate enough to know him, will not soon be forgotten.

Andy’s love for the outdoors and nature was also a defining part of his character. His fondness for chopping firewood not only warmed his home but symbolized his ability to confront hard work with a sense of purpose and dedication. The beauty of nature brought him immense joy and peace. He was a passionate gardener, cook, and hunter who provided for his family and shared with the community. His “specialties”, loved by all, were potato pancakes, homemade salsa, venison jerky, and various jams, pickles, and peppers. Sundays for the family always included pancakes in the morning and chicken Soup after church, and his Hungarian heritage Szalonna prepared at every Family Reunion.

Music and dance were another form of expression for Andy. Strumming his guitar and playing soulful melodies on his harmonica, he shared his love for old country songs with anyone who would listen, especially his grandchildren who never heard “that” type of country before! His melodious tunes brought laughter and joy to his family and friends, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

With a faith that could move mountains, in addition to his being a longtime communicant at St. Magdalen Church, and Carmelite Monastery, Flemington, NJ, his unwavering devotion was further exemplified through his membership in the Knights of Columbus Jubilee Council #3294, and in the Serra Club, Flemington NJ, where he was currently serving as its President. In addition, he served as a homebound Eucharistic Minister.

Throughout his life, Andy held steadfast to his belief that the past did not dictate the present or the future. Guided by God, love, and the support of his soulmate, Valerie, Andy built a life steeped in values, compassion, and resilience. His selflessness and generosity knew no bounds, and his heart which was always willing to help others has secured his legacy until we are all reunited again in the place promised in John 14. To honor Andy, is to live a life inspired by the prayer of St. Francis which says, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Rest in the sweetest peace that you so justly have earned, Andy.

During a recent meeting with the family, they recalled the many projects that he enjoyed where most were dangerous at times. The family agreed that on Friday, December 8^th, 2023, because his Guardian Angels were EXHAUSTED, the Lord decided to call him home.

In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his siblings: Frank, Stephen, David, Agnes, Verna, Julia, Bertha, Annie, and Sam.

Andy will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Valerie; his children and their spouses, Laura and Brian Baxter, Audrey and John Hally, Edith Smigel-Wilson and Mark Wilson, Andy and Brandi Berenty, and Linda and Scott Barton; his grandchildren, John and his wife, Kayleigh, Nickolaus and his wife, Sarah, Ryan, Zackary, Clayton and his wife, Samantha, Gwendolynn, Shelby and her husband, Danny, Charlotte, Dillon, and Kaitlyn; his great grandchildren, Easton, Jack, Hank, Kenny, and Nora Faustina, expected in the Spring; his siblings, Margie, Mary and Helen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; and many dear friends made as he traveled God’s path.

Andrew will lie in repose on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. A vigil service followed by reflections from family and friends will take place at 6:30 p.m. and to which all are welcome.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. John Primich will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Saturday morning beginning at 9:45 a.m. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival.

Entombment will follow mass at St. Magdalen Mausoleum, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ, and everyone is invited to join the family for the committal.

You are encouraged to visit Andrew’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us carry his legacy forward, embracing each other with compassion, kindness, and the same zest for life that Andy displayed every day. If you wish to honor Andy, in lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Carmelite Monastery, via mail to 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington, NJ 08822, or online by clicking HERE, or to St. Anne’s Center, “Grandma’s House” via mail to 137-139 Roseberry St, Phillipsburg NJ, 08865, or online by clicking HERE.

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