Andrew T Seymour
OBITUARY
Andrew Thomas Seymour was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on April 23rd, 1932 to Maude and Francis Seymour. He was raised in a navy family primarily in Seal Beach, California, first on Anaheim Landing and later on Electric Avenue. He and his brothers, Frank and Paul ran freely among the alleyways and could be found heckling the umpires at the ball field. The three brothers developed a love and respect for the Pacific Ocean, spending a great deal of their spare time swimming and bodysurfing. In his later teens Andy became a lifeguard for the City of Seal Beach, which quickly led to his role as the department’s captain. He was fondly referred to as Captain Andy, and since all lifeguards were given aquatic names, “Andy Albacore.”
During his tenure as lifeguard captain each summer, Andy was immersed in raising 6 children and involved in a career of education. He attended St. Anthony High School where he was twice elected class president and played 3 varsity sports. His dedication to St. Anthony’s led to his induction into the St. Anthony High School Hall of Fame in 2010.
Andy met his sweetheart, Mary Alice Privett, in Seal Beach and courted her throughout his college years at Loyola University. They married June 20, 1953 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Andy and Mary proceeded to raise their 6 children, Terri, Tim, Jim, Steve, Dave and Amy, in their Catholic faith, making St. Maria Goretti the family parish and elementary school. It was during these years that Andy pursued a Masters Degree in Education and a California Teaching Credential. His career in education included all grades, 3rd through college. He was a very popular teacher at Millikan High School in Long Beach where he served as a mentor and master teacher. Besides being an English teacher, Andy was Director of Student Activities, swim team coach and faculty president. His calm, compassionate, yet firm personality, was the perfect combination of traits to endear his students, many remaining in contact over the span of his life. Andy’s education career culminated with the principalship of Miraleste High School in Palos Verdes, where the school earned the California Distinguished High School status under his leadership.
Shortly after retiring from teaching, Andy returned to the City of Seal Beach, serving as Director of Parks, Beaches, and Recreation. He also served as interim Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Stanton.
Andy’s strong faith led him to serve as a sacristan at St. Hedwig Catholic Church as well as coach and teacher as needed. He also fulfilled the duties of Chairman of the Board for Precious Life Shelter.
Andy is survived by 2 siblings, Mike and Mary Lou, 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, and one of his children, Jim. He was a kind and gentle person; an amazing example for all who knew him, and he will be so greatly missed.
Services will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach, on May 2 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Precious Life Shelter.
