Obituary of Andrew Malizia

Andrew Anthony Malizia passed away on November 6, 2021, twelve days before his 32nd birthday.

Andrew enjoyed a rich and wonderful childhood, growing up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A talented young scholar and athlete, Andrew worked hard throughout his adolescence to become a nationally ranked junior tennis player and an exceptional student. In 2008 he graduated from Chapel Hill High School as a valedictorian. Andrew attended Dartmouth College where he played Division I Tennis and also enjoyed playing for the Club Table Tennis Team. Having always excelled in math, he graduated with a B.A. in Mathematics. 

Andrew had a true talent for working with young people. He tutored many students in various math subjects in addition to coaching youth tennis. He was interested in becoming a counselor or psychologist in order to help adolescents and young adults understand and cope with the stress and anxiety they face in athletics and academics, and he had completed one semester of graduate work in this area. From all accounts, he helped many young people learn and grow in positive ways. 

Andrew enjoyed all things sports and had an uncanny gift for remembering games, statistics, and facts from sporting events throughout his entire life. He also loved animals and found great fulfillment in connecting with and loving the many dogs in his life. Andrew had musical talent that he focused on rap. Tupac, Eminem, and Biggie Smalls were among his favorites. He wrote verses that often expressed his deepest feelings.

To his family, Andrew was an incredible son, brother, uncle, cousin or “cuz”, and was fondly referred to as “uncle-cousin” by his cousins’ young children. He will be remembered for his loving smile, engaging personality and infectious laugh, athletic abilities, brilliant mind and most importantly — his beautiful soul. 

To his friends, Drew was a loyal companion, always quick to help those around him and be a source of caring support. With his girlfriend, he had made plans for their future together.  He loved and was loved by many, and though he didn't live the long life we wanted for him, he lived a life full of warmth, community, and meaning. 

Andrew is survived by his adoring family: parents, Deborah and Emil, sisters Becca and Beth, and his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew. Gifts in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, an organization where Andrew was a construction volunteer and helped build homes for those in need. Donations can be submitted online at OrangeHabitat.Org/Donate or via check mailed to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, 88 Vilcom Center Drive, Suite L110, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514.

Lastly, to end on a few powerful and wise “Drewisms:”

“Eliminate “shoulds” from your psyche. Do what feels positive and right.” 

“Talent does not equal motivation. Enthusiasm goes a long way.” 

“It’s about NOT settling. It’s about NOT giving up on yourself. It’s about admitting that you’re scared that you can’t do it — whatever it is — and trying anyway.”