Obituary of Andrew John Van Donsel

Andrew "Drew" Van Donsel, 36, passed away November 28, 2025, in Cortland, NY. Born in Cortland February 28, 1989, Andrew was the firstborn son of Scott Van Donsel of Homer and MaryEllen Reddick of Cortland. Once he learned to ride his bike, he was unstoppable, leaving a trail of dust and joy wherever he went. He was known for his easygoing nature and ability to make friends effortlessly. Everyone fortunate enough to have known Andrew cherished his company and admired his positive attitude. Andrew graduated from Cortland Junior­Senior High School in 2007. After high school, he worked at Tops Friendly Markets then NAPA West Road. At NAPA, Andrew honed his customer service skills through his likeable personality, warm smile, and constant offer of assistance. He formed many lasting friendships with both customers and colleagues at NAPA. Andrew worked briefly as a mechanic and bus driver for Cortland City Schools before transitioning to the Public Works Department at the Village of Dryden. Among his responsibilities at the Village of Dryden, Andrew was certified in testing their public water supply system and facilities. This interest in water supply led him to his current position at W2O Pump & System Services in Cortland where he specialized in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as collection and distribution systems. Andrew loved being with his family and friends, whether at camp, a local establishment, or the Elks Lodge. A life member of Homer Elks Lodge #2506, Andrew was a Past Exalted Ruler, and former Trustee. His distinctive footsteps echoed across the Lodge floor whenever he entered; you never had to look up to see who it was when you heard them. Andrew is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Leah (Dutcher) Van Donsel of Cortland; his parents, Scott Van Donsel (Alicia Zupancic) and MaryEllen (Harry "Junior") Reddick; by his brother Michael (Mandy) Van Donsel of Dryden and their children, Cooper and Daniel Van Donsel; grandmother Marietta Aldrich of Scottsdale, AZ, many aunts, uncles, cousins, a multitude of friends, and his wing man, Walt Nichols, Jr. Calling hours will be Saturday, December 6, from 1:00pm-4:30pm at Wright­Beard Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, with the Elks Funeral Service to follow at the funeral home at 5:00pm. A Celebration of Life will continue at 6:00pm at the Homer Elks Lodge, 82 Cortland Street, Homer, NY. Memorial contributions can be made to the Elks National Foundation In Memory of Andrew Van Donsel, c/o Homer Elks Lodge #2506, 82 Cortland Street, Homer, NY 13077 or Little Tags Foundation, In Memory of Andrew Van Donsel, 5231 Foster Road, Cortland, NY 13045.