Andrew William "Andy" Branstetter

Andrew William "Andy" Branstetter, 32, left us unexpectedly on January 5, 2007. He was born on February 9, 1974 and was a son of Bill and Becky Branstetter of Conover, NC. Andy was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and attended Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati. He was an accomplished chef and held the position of executive chef at Cassis Bistro in Seattle, WA and later served as executive chef at Ni Fen in Shelby, NC. Andy was a talented woodworker who built high-quality decks in the Seattle area. He also built porch swings and outdoor furniture for many Morganton area families. Andy found great joy in good food, fine wine, and incredible music. Presently he was the manager of Morganton Ace Hardware and head of industrial sales.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his brother, Mitch Branstetter, of Greenville, SC; his sister, Beth Reid and her husband, Andy, of Little Rock, AR; and his nieces, McKenzie, Courtney, Claire, and Abby Reid.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Chaplain William Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, 417 Kirksey Dr., Morganton, NC or to the Humane Society of Catawba County, 3476 Valley arbors Dr., Hickory, NC 28602.