Obituaries

Andrew Richard Kates (1965-2026)

Published: Apr 10, 2026 12:30 pm

Andrew Richard (Andy) Kates passed away in New Orleans on March 13, 2026, from complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 60. Andrew will be remembered as a devoted father, friend, and person of faith who never lost his optimism and compassion.

Born in New Jersey, Andrew grew up in Newtown. He attended Newtown High School, where he made lifelong friends. He earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a master’s in business from the Georgia Institute of Technology. After working as an oil exploration engineer in the Gulf of Mexico, he founded Rope Access Technology, a company specializing in maintenance and repair for energy facilities.

Andrew met his future wife, Amy Hayner, in 1992, when they were both volunteering at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in New Orleans. Loving the culture of New Orleans, they settled there, welcoming two children: Maggie in 1999 and Sam in 2001.

The Kates family embraced life in New Orleans. Amy and Andrew were active members of Lakeview Presbyterian Church on Canal Boulevard. Andrew marched during Mardi Gras with the Jefferson City Buzzards marching club; Sam sometimes joined him. Maggie and Sam were both active students at Lusher Charter School, now called The Willow School.

After 22 happy years together, Amy predeceased Andrew in 2017. His parents, David and Shirley Kates, also predeceased him.

Throughout Andrew’s journey with ALS, he was cared for by William (Bobby) Burge, his best friend whose commitment to Andrew’s wellbeing had no bounds. The love and support he received from Maggie, Sam, Bobby and the Burge family, Glen Edwards, his church, his Newtown buddies, and his many friends and other family members allowed Andrew to live a rich life despite the limitations of his disease.

A memorial service will be held for Andrew on May 9, 2026, at Lakeview Presbyterian Church (5914 Canal Boulevard). The service will begin at 10:30 am, with reception to follow.

Andrew is survived by his children, Maggie and Sam, as well as siblings Katharine and Jonathan, and a number of nieces and nephews. His legacy of optimism and hope will live on. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Team Gleason Foundation in his honor.

Former longtime Newtown resident Andrew Richard (Andy) Kates, 60, passed away in New Orleans on March 13, 2026, from complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

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Andrew Richard Kates (1965-2026)

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