Andrew B. Bry-Nildsen

Andrew B. Bry-Nildsen, 68, of Spring Township, passed away peacefully April 4, 2011 at the Hershey Medical Center after a courageous two-year battle against Leukemia.

He was the beloved husband of Jeraldine (Gerry) F. (Specht) Bry-Nildsen. They shared a beautiful married life together since September 30, 1978.

Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, he was a son of the late Martin Bry-Nildsen, Jr. and Glenda Mae (Bowers) Bry-Nildsen. He is survived by his step-mother, Doris Okerson, Washington, NJ.

Andy was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School, Washington NJ; a 1965 graduate, Cum Laude, of Parsons College, Fairfield, IA and attended graduate school at University of Iowa from 1966 to 1967. While at Parsons College he founded and served as first editor of "The Image", the college fine arts and literary journal, in addition, was elected to Monxhead, a student honorary society and was a member of the student senate.

He was employed by Travelers Insurance between 1967 and 1968 and by W.R. Grace from 1968 to 1972. In 1972 he embarked on a successful sales career with GlaxoSmithKline until his retirement in 1998. During this time he also co-owned Travel Agents Intl. Travel Agency with his wife, Gerry, from 1984 to 1996. After retirement he worked part time at both Kidsports International and Village Green Golf Course.

Andy was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola R.C. Church, Whitfield, where he participated in the men's bible study group.

He was a charter member of the Western Berks Jaycees from 1971 to 1974, serving as chapter president in 1972 and 1973. He was a member of the Whitfield Lion's Club from 1974 to 1976, serving as chapter president in 1975. Andy also held membership in Knights of Columbus, earning 4th degree status and participated in volunteer work at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

Andy enjoyed coaching little league baseball in Whitfield for 5 years in the late 1970's and early 1980's. He also coached in the Van Reed basketball program in the early 1980's.

Andy loved traveling with Gerry, the warmth of friends and family and doting on his beautiful grandchildren. He had an infectious laughter that would draw you in until you were in tears. He will be forever loved and missed and his life lessons will be passed on through generations to come.

In addition to his wife and step mother, he is survived by his two children: Laurie B., wife of Michael J. Weigner, Tampa FL, Derek B., husband of Carolyn Bry-Nildsen, Sinking Spring and his four step children: Anthony R. Cianci, husband of Donna M. Cianci, Malvern, Terri J. Cianci-Krall, wife of Troy E. Krall, Lititz, Joseph A. Cianci, Myrtle Beach, SC and Scott P. Cianci, Huntersville, NC. Also surviving is his brother, Martin, III, husband of Karen S. Bry-Nildsen, Bethlehem; his half-brother, Christopher M., husband of Laurie Bry-Nildsen, Port Murray, NJ and his half-sister, Karen B., wife of Patrick C. McCormick, Washington, NJ. He is also survived by ten grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 12:30 p.m. in St. Ignatius Loyola R.C. Church, 2810 St. Albans Dr., Whitfield. A viewing will be Monday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with words of remembrance beginning at 11:20 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave, West Reading. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, 125 Lucy Ave., Hummelstown, PA 17036. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com