Andrew "Drew" Sean Amado Sr. was born to Anthony "Tony" Amado Sr and Martha (Lewis) Amado on October 18, 1964, in Topeka, KS.
After living in Alaska and California where his father was stationed before retiring from the US Airforce, the family settled in Portland, Oregon where Andrew attended Vernon Elementary, Columbia and Whitaker MIddle school, and graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1983. He lettered in wrestling at Benson. In the summer of 1983 after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and faithfully served his country while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Due to a medical condition, he was unable to continue to serve and was honorably discharged. He loved his country, the flag and was so proud to be a Marine.
After serving in the military, he returned home to Portland and attended classes at Portland Community College and worked at Calaroga Terrace as a server before accepting a position at Trimet. In 1987 he married Chantell Fitz in Portland, OR., bought a house and settled in the Concordia neighborhood where they raised two sons, the pride and joy of his life.
Andrew worked for Trimet for 29 years in the maintenance department before having to take permanent disability for end-stage renal disease requiring him to start dialysis. He started as a bus cleaner, then MAX platform cleaner, and finished his career as a journeyman in the maintenance department where he was Substation Technician for MAX. He was also involved with COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials).
Andrew loved the Lord, and was a faithful member of First AME Zion Church, serving as chair of the trustee board for many years. He loved his church and could be found there doing whatever needed to be done from unclogging sinks and toilets, repairing windows, and lights to yard work. He was an avid golfer, motorcycle enthusiast, and car collector. In the spring of 2011, Andrew joined the board of Connected with his best friends John Canda and Maury Sails Sr. Andrew walked with the group faithfully every Friday until he was physically unable to, then he would sit on a bench and greet passersby.
Of all that Andrew accomplished in life, he was most proud of his son's Andrew (Drew Jr.) and Giovanni Amado and his grandchildren. They were the pride and light of his life. He loved his daughter-in-law LaToya and how good of a mother she is to his grandchildren, and he loved her macaroni and cheese! Andrew also cherished his longtime friendship with his 'boys' Maury 'Dink' Sails Sr (Althea) and John Canda (Darla) and Le'Alys Douglas.
Andrew was also a surrogate dad to Aaron Mayes of Portland, OR, and George William Whitfield of Troy, NY. He was ever the trickster to his godchildren who he loved dearly Brandi (Brian) Walker, Breanna (David) Jackson; Brooke and Bryce. He was also a bonus 'Grampy' to Alima Muhammed, Kamaria Sanders, Journee, Jayla, and Jeronde Weatherspoon.
Andrew was preceded in death by his father Anthony Amado Sr., brother Donnie Amado, sister Nadine Amado and twin grandbabies Tiana & Drew III.
He is survived by his wife of over 32 years, Chantell; sons Drew (LaToya) and Giovanni. Grandchildren; Mustapha, Kamiyah, Tatyana, Christian, Noah; Great-grandson Hakeem, all of Portland, Oregon. Mother, Martha Amado of Topeka, Kansas; sister Inez (James) Jackson of Redwood City, CA; brothers Richard (Betty) Gardenhire of Anchorage, Alaska, Adrian Gardenhire and Alan (Carolyn) Amado all of Topeka, Kansas, and Anthony Amado Jr.; In-laws; Shirley & Mel Brown and George and Reberita Fitz of Portland, Oregon; brother-in-law Jamahl Fitz, Chris (Melanie) Brown, Jonathon Brown; sister-in-law Carmel Fitz all of Portland, Oregon. Andrew leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and relatives who he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Leisure Hour Jr. Golf Program
National Kidney Foundation
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