Andrew Paul Chopra, Gift of God, died January 9, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Andy was born February 28, 1984, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of two quickly leaving an indelible mark on everyone he touched. His early love of music was his passion and he started playing his Grandma’s Horner Organ at the age of four, quickly moving to professional piano lessons. He was a natural on the keyboard and especially loved composing. He played his first piano composition “Winter Storm” at the age of 8 at San Jose Episcopal Day School. He graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville in 2002.
Andy received a music scholarship to Jacksonville University, and graduated in 2007, with a major in music theory and composition and a minor in aviation. Despite grueling treatments and a bone marrow transplant for leukemia in 1997, he got his Private Pilot’s license at 16, and was Instrument Rated at 18. This is when he became everyone’s favorite “wingman.” He soared not only into the sky but into our hearts.
He moved to New York City in 2009 and enrolled at NYU, where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Composition and Performance in 2011. He was also an active follower of traditional Chinese Medicine in New York City for 10 years. Andy’s gifts of music and composition were shared abundantly with so many cities in Florida, New York, and New Jersey. He served as church organist in Jacksonville, New York City and New Jersey.
His legacy of creativity and brilliance will continue to reverberate with those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His compassion and generosity for the poor and indigent is legend and a testimony to a life lived in our Lord’s shadow and commission. He leaves to stand in awe of his shining example, his Dad, Kuldip Chopra, North Carolina; his Mom, Gail Chopra, Dahlonega, Georgia; Brothers, Mark Schlueter (Sarah), Daniel Schlueter (Gayle), nieces and nephews Catherine, Peter, Rachel, Matthew, Nathan, aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, and Earth angel friends, and dog Penny.
His message straight from heaven would be to show tangible love to all humans and animals especially those that extend a desperate hand or paw out to all of us. Andy’s life and legacy is as timeless as love, music, laughter, and our Lord’s grace.
Andy was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, in Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 330 Sixth Street, Jersey City 07302.
Visitation will take place at Michalski Funeral Home, 463 Monmouth Street, Jersey City on Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 2 pm to 5 pm. A formal funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at a later date to be announced.
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