​Andrew (Andy) Ancel left this world surrounded by family on August 15, 2025

Andrew (Andy) Ancel left this world surrounded by family on August 15, 2025 at the age of 72. His death was sudden and unexpected. Born on July 24, 1953, in Santa Monica, California, Andy was the son of the late Mary Ancel and Raymond E. Banks. He was lovingly raised by Mary and her husband, the late Mark Ancel, in Hermosa Beach.

Andy loved nothing more than his friends and family. He was a devoted husband to Diane. He was the goofiest dad and an even goofier grandpa. Andy always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and kept his family and friends laughing with his playful sense of humor.

A true renaissance man, Andy lived with wide-ranging interests and curiosity. As a lifelong sports lover, he grew up surfing, sailing, and playing tennis, threw shot put in college, played baseball through his 20s, and later became a spirited participant in his fantasy sports league. He was also an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, a great conversationalist, and a storyteller who always had something to share whether drawn from his own experience or the pages of a book. He found joy in simple pleasures: going to the beach, walking his dog, Coco, taking drives, snapping photos, birdwatching, spending time with those he loved, and bodysurfing anywhere there were waves to catch.

Andy was a devoted humanitarian whose generosity knew no bounds. He poured his time and energy into helping others, whether through his church, charitable organizations, or local community. He served faithfully as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, helped organize medical missions to Haiti, taught networking skills to those navigating job loss, and volunteered wherever he was needed. He believed his purpose in life was to bring people together and to help others. His life was defined not by titles or accolades but by compassion, service, and selflessness.

Andy will be remembered for his laughter, his loyalty, and his caring heart. His sudden absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his spirit–the joy he sparked, the kindness he lived, and the love he shared–will carry on in the many lives he touched.

Along with his wife, Diane, Andy is survived by his daughters, Allison and Lindsay; his grandchildren, Ophelia and Alexandra; his siblings, Nellie, David, Jane, and Nick; his half-sibling, Ken; his sister-in-law, Phyllis; brother-in-law, Rick; and several loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Avenue, Milford. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.