We are saddened by the sudden death of Andrew David Sloan, 30, on Jan. 17, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. His life was cut short far too soon. Born in Houston, Texas on June 12, 1993, he was joyfully adopted on June 19, 1996, and grew up in Forest Park. He lived an adventurous life between his homes in Chicago and Arlington, Texas, and spent a significant amount of time on the open road. He always wanted to try new and different things: different schools, lines of work, types of music.
He could talk on so many topics — politics, history, geology, music, writing, sports, philosophy, finance — anything you’d bring up. His love of reading fostered his great intellect. He voraciously read anything from fantasy to history to science fiction, with a special affinity for Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. He loved music and it grew to become one of his passions throughout his life. He started playing piano at the age of 6, and advanced through the years to playing the Beatles, the Eagles, and later, some of his own creations with his teacher’s guidance. He also played percussion in band, and loved the beat of rock, hip-hop, and rap, even working at his own rap music creations.
Growing up in Forest Park, he played baseball on the Forest Park district and travel teams, and swam competitively each summer at the family cottage in Canada for the local county swim team. He continued sports in high school and participated on the diving, track, tennis, and football teams. He graduated from grade schools in Forest Park and St. Ignatius College Prep with honors, then pursued additional education at Florida State University where he loved being a Seminole, Triton College, University of Texas Arlington, and Tarrant County Community College.
His love of travel came from his mom and the long family road trips taken during school breaks and summers, visiting 45 states and parts of Canada. He pursued a career in truck hauling, driving cross-country and exploring. In between and on breaks, he stayed with his mom in Chicago sharing all his adventures.
Andrew is survived by his mother, Julianne; his two sisters, Julia and Anna; his grandmother, Joanne; his Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Jonathan; his Uncle John and Aunt Debbie and cousins Christopher and Angelique, Amanda, and Daniel; and his Uncle Robert and Aunt Sheryl and cousins Joseph, Thomas, Jacob, and Matthew.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service, Feb. 3 at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, beginning at 9 a.m., with a memorial Mass at 10 a.m., followed by luncheon at Francesca Amici, 174 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126 (parking across the street).
A donation in Andrew’s name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention would be appreciated.
