Obituary of Andrew Henry Dearth

Andrew Henry Dearth 3/2/1937-9/27/2017 Andy Dearth of Gulf Breeze passed away peacefully 9/27/2017 after having Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia for 11 years. He grew up in Malden, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Ruth Dearth. He is survived by his loving wife, Alma Ruth (Anderson) Dearth of 55 years; four children, Pamela (Kirk) Nichols, Craig (Sandra) Dearth, Jeffrey (Melanie N.) Dearth, and Cindi (Scott) Crumbo, also four granddaughters, Toni and Taylor Crumbo, Shaharaj Dearth, and Shannon Nichols and his brothers, Richard and George and sister, Betsy. After graduation from Malden High, he received a BS Degree from Springfield College, a Physical Therapy Degree from Sargent College at Boston University and a Master’s from Troy State. Andy served in the active U.S. Navy and Reserves for a total of 28 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. Andy also had a healthcare career working as a physical therapist and administrator in MA, NH, and ME before moving to Gulf Breeze to become Assistant Administrator of the startup hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of West Florida. He was Administrator when they were bought by HCA and he became Assistant Administrator of West Florida Hospital. He went on to several other hospitals as well as helping start outpatient hospitals in Leesburg, FL then, Jacksonville, FL. He was also a Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for many years. After retiring from hospital work, Andy and Alma owned and ran a Furniture Medic for 3 years before returning back to Gulf Breeze area for full retirement. Andy was active at Gulf Breeze and Community Life United Methodist Churches. He was a member of Rotary and awarded two Paul Harris Fellows. Most important to Andy was his family. No matter how busy, he always found time for them. He loved sailing, traveling, building and remodeling his home and cars. Many thanks to the staff of Bay Breeze Nursing Home for their wonderful care. A special thanks to Lori, who always brought a smile to Andy’s face. Thank you also, for all the prayers, visits, and cards from our friends and church family. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Community United Methodist Church, Gulf Breeze at 11:00am with visitation at 10:00am. Interment will follow at 1:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation or Lewy Body Dementia Association.