Andrew Gillette Wyrick, Jr.

Colonel Andrew Gillette Wyrick, Junior, USAF

Andrew Gillette Wyrick, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.

Andy was born May 5, 1937, in Evansville, Indiana, to Andrew Sr. and Virginia Wyrick, the eldest of three children. Andy was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Catherine Smith Wyrick, who was the love of his life.

Andy was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. While he was a student, he was selected to play trombone in the ND marching band, and he participated in the US Air Force ROTC program. He was commissioned an officer in the US Air Force, and specialized in the Space, Satellite, and Missile programs. He earned his Master’s in Engineering Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Andrew obtained the rank of Colonel and retired from the USAF after serving for 27 years. He continued his expertise in the commercial industry before their retirement to Florida.

Andy & Marilyn lovingly raised five children, often camping, exploring, and site seeing, as they moved throughout the country. Andy loved coaching his children’s sports teams, and he was an avid ND Football Fan. Andy was President of the Notre Dame Club of SW Florida for years, and he was an active member of MOAA. Andy & Marilyn moved to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach and loved participating in the sailing club, croquet, lawn bowling, and golf. They were dedicated parishioners in their local Catholic Churches, active through ministries such as teaching & mentoring Catholic Education for children and adults, Eucharistic Ministry, and the Knights of Colombus.

Andrew is survived by his three sons, Andrew III, David (Cheryl), William; his two daughters, Elizabeth (James) McCarthy and Lynn (Gary) McLean; sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and his loving sisters, Diane Wyrick Lents and Jane Wyrick Conner.

There will be a funeral mass for Andrew on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2400 Mayport Road in Jacksonville, Florida. Reception to follow in the St John Parish Center.

Subsquently, Colonel Wyrick, and his wife Marilyn, will be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington DC, where the funeral and burial will be held upon scheduling. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Air and Space Forces Aid Society.