Obituary of Gilberto Andrei

LIVESTREAM OF THE FUNERAL MASS HERE

Gilberto Andrei, 95, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. He would often say, “I’ve lived a good life,” and those who knew him would wholeheartedly agree. A proud Italian-American and devoted family man, Gil carried a deep love for books and learning. He was intelligent and multilingual, with a playful spirit, a quick wit, and a natural gift for telling stories—often highly embellished for entertainment value. He loved to sing and bring laughter wherever he went. Above all, he loved his family. He was the proud father of eight children: Deborah Elaine Degerstrom, Andy (deceased), Carmen Marie Cammack, Tamela Louise Proctor, Timothy David, Karen Olimpia, Michael Roy, and Mary Anne. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great, great-grandfather.

Gil’s parents were Angiola Casemira Lina (Argenti) and Orfeo Davide Andrei, naturalized Italian immigrants. Gil was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on October 23, 1930. He was the eldest of five children, Gloria Andrei, Raymond Andrei, Norma Andrei, and David Andrei. As a boy at Livermore Falls primary school, he was an honor roll student and played the jack-in-the-box in the third grade Christmas pageant, but his true love was hunting and fishing in the outdoors. He loved summers, working on the Davis family’s dairy farm and swimming with friends.

At Livermore Falls High School, he lettered as the left end on the football team and played YMCA basketball. He graduated in 1950 and later joined the U.S. Air Force. He married Patricia Ann (Bragdon) at the Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Jay on June 16, 1952. They were married for 66 years, before her death in 2018. Gil was an Air Force photographer, earning the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, before retiring from 23 years of distinguished military service on July 1, 1972. While in the Air Force, he traveled with his wife, and their growing family, around the world from Maine to Alabama, to Kansas, to Germany and Spain, before settling in Maine. In May 1976, he earned an Associate of Science degree from the University of Maine where he studied Mental Health Technology, and then worked at the Bangor Mental Health Institute. Before retiring, he also worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Brewer.

Throughout his life he was an avid reader and supporter of public libraries, especially the Brewer Public Library. He and his children enjoyed reading books together and spending hours talking about them. He loved listening to music, especially to Luciano Pavarotti, and singing Italian songs. He will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, and the deep love he had for his family. His life stands as a testament to resilience, character, and the richness of a life fully lived. He will be deeply missed by his family and his friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor where the funeral mass will also be livestream from the parish website, HERE A reception will follow at the parish center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Penobscot Area Special Olympics, c/o Treasurer, 299 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. Messages and memories may be shared with her family at kileyandfoley.com.