Andrew Francis Seilus
September 5, 1980 – June 26, 2023

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Andrew Francis Seilus departed this world suddenly and peacefully on June 26, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

A shining beacon of love, creativity and fellowship to all he met, Andrew leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. His loss will be felt by many in New Jersey, the place of this birth, upbringing and education and in his adopted home of North Carolina.

Andrew was a prolific artist, poet, musician, epicurean, traveler and appreciator of curiosities and world cultures who never missed an opportunity to make a positive personal connection. His insightfulness, empathy and humor served, and will always be treasured, as his family's foundation.

A 1999 graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School in New Jersey, Andrew engaged in such diverse activities as football, lacrosse, public speaking and playing bass in the orchestra. Pursing his love of art, he earned both an associate's degree in liberal and studio arts and an associate's degree in fine arts from Raritan Valley Community College. Furthering his education, Andrew completed his bachelor's degree in fine arts from Kean University and was working toward the completion of a master's degree.

His family and friends will continue their appreciation and amazement of Andrew's ability to translate his love of art into a love of art education. He touched the lives of many students, from preschoolers to seniors, with his signature enthusiastic and dynamic style in schools, camps, hospitals, homes and museums. He considered the world his classroom and thrived in challenging environments, serving those with special needs and within disadvantaged or marginalized communities. His family and friends were proud in his accomplishments in the world of art, with his work exhibited in galleries in New York City and Krakow, Poland.

Relocating with his parents to Broadway, North Carolina in 2018 to be closer to his dear sister Katherine and her growing family, Andrew embraced and was embraced by his new community. He served as an art education teacher at Harnett County Middle School, volunteered as steak night chef at the Ernest Simmons VFW Post 6722, sports photographer at Campbell University, usher at the Temple Theater and pursed his passion for collecting and trading at local markets. He was excited for the next step in his career, being accepted as the art education teacher at Broadway Elementary School for the upcoming school year.

He is survived by mother Suzanne and father Richard, sister Katherine Reynolds, brother-in-law David, niece Callie, nephew Conner, brother Matthew, sister-in-law Lesley Vollmer, ten aunts and uncles and 11 cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 201 1st St in Broadway, North Carolina on August 26 from 1-3pm . A celebration of his life will be held in New Jersey later this year.

In Andrew's honor, the family will be accepting donations that will be used to support the art programs at Harnett County Middle School and Broadway Elementary School. Donations can be made via GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honor-and-remembrance-of-andrew-seilus?utm_campaign