Written by Juliana Simone

November 12th, 2012

Waterbury, CT – At eleven this morning at the St. John’s Episcopal Church, a memorial service was held to honor the memory of Andrew J. Pape, 46, for family, friends, colleagues and those wishing to show their respect to the Pape family. There was such an enormous turnout there was standing room only in both the back areas of the church as well as in the balconies.

Andrew’s father William J. Pape II is well known throughout the state and the world of journalism as the publisher of the renowned newspaper “The Republican-American.” Connecticut locals call the paper ‘The Waterbury Republican.’

The name “Republican-American” came from merging two newspapers in the 1990’s, “the American” and “the Republican” by their owner, William J. Pape. Founded and still run by the Pape family and a holding company, “American-Republican, Inc.” William J. Pape II now serves as the paper’s CEO.

Andrew Pape was born in Waterbury in 1966 on February 13^th to his father William and mother Patricia Moran Pape. He was raised in the scenic town of Middlebury in Litchfield County along with his brother, William B. Pape. Andrew graduated from Connecticut’s Suffield Academy before choosing to attend college in New Orleans, where he earned a degree from Tulane University. He returned to Connecticut for both his family business and to be with his future wife, Christine Pattillo, whom he met while attending Suffield.

Within the Pape’s American-Republican, Incorporated, Andrew was happy to serve as both Vice President and assistant treasurer. At the “Republican-American” Andrew was the Director of Operations.

Besides being energetic at his work, Andrew Pape was an avid sailor and participated in leadership positions at many community clubs such as the Madison Beach Club, The Mattituck Museum, the former Waterbury Club, the Anderson Boys Club, as well as the National Rifle Association.

The lovely Memorial Service included the King James Version of Psalms 23; The Apostle’s Creed; Hymn 208 “Alleluia! The strife is o’er”; Hymn 597 “O day of peace”; Hymn 671 “Amazing Grace” and Gospel Lesson John 14:1-6. First Lesson Isaiah 25.6-9 was read by Richard Pape.

Remembrances were given by Andrew’s brother Will Pape, daughter Alexandra Pape and friends Dick Grant and Peter Gersky. Will Pape remembered the things that made his brother special; Alexandra recited a poem she created for her father that placed him in Italy; Dick and Peter reminisced about how kind Andrew was and quick to assist those in need as well as point out how much he loved his wife and children. There were also some amusing antidotes for levity that were shared with worshipers and gatherers. All speakers agreed Andrew was already missed.

Homily was delivered by a female minister who was once the Chaplin at Suffield Academy. Communion was offered to those in attendance who wished to receive it which was the majority. Because of the amount of people who came to pay tribute to Andrew and the Pape and Pattillo families, the Holy Eucharist was given from a few stations.

At the end of the Memorial Service, the Pape’s stood outside to receive guests. Waterbury’s State Representative Selim Noujaim was in attendance as well as Senator Rob Kane. A reception was held at the Mattituck Museum held by Andrew’s wife Chrissie and the Pape family. Donations in memory of Andrew Jamieson Pape can be made at the family’s request to Suffield Academy.