Andrew McConnell
Friends and family will remember Andrew McConnell in ceremonies and services Tuesday. The son of Caffe Vita founder Mike McConnell died last week at the age of 27.
“Andrew was a passionate soul who loved deeply, forgave freely and accepted others without judgment,” the obituary for McConnell reads. “He loved music and he loved to dance. His heart was just too sweet; he felt too much for this world. Andrew was loved by many; from Seattle to New York City where his infectious smile lit up many kitchens, working as a Master Pizzaiolo with a popular following.”
The Andrew Michael McConnell Memorial Fund has been created “to provide hope, support and treatment for heroin addiction and recovery in the Seattle community.”
Announcements from Vita and Mike McConnell have not included further details about his son’s passing.
Andrew McConnell was well known in E Pike’s food, drink, and nightlife scene and was living in New York where he worked for Via Tribunali and other food and drink establishments. He is also survived by his brother Chris McConnell who also works for Via Tribunali and his mother Marlys McConnell, step-mother Liz McConnell and step-sister Vivian Gossard.
Mike McConnell’s many Seattle-based food and drink businesses including the Vita and Via Tribunali chains will be closed on January 13th “to honor and memorialize our precious family member,” a statement on the death reads:
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service and celebration of life on Tuesday, January 13th.Funeral Service – 1pmSunset Hills Memorial Park 1575 145th Pl SEBellevue, WA 98007Celebration of Life – 5:30pmThe Sky Church at EMP325 5th Avenue NSeattle, WA 98109The Andrew Michael McConnell Memorial Fund was created to provide hope, support and treatment for heroin addiction and recovery in the Seattle community. Please donate whatever is in your heart to The Andrew Michael McConnell Memorial Fund at Puget Sound Bank in Bellevue.”This one-day closure includes all McConnell businesses; Caffe Vita, Via Tribunali, Bourbon & Bones, Seattle Boxing Gym, The Wandering Goose and Cornuto.Additionally, the family is requesting privacy during this very difficult time.
The sad news comes as the McConnell family’s Caffe Vita celebrates 20 years of business.
So sad. So sorry.
as someone who has a daughter the same age as Andrew, who is also battling heroin addiction, my heart goes out to this family. Many people treat heroin addicts as throwaway people in society – I can tell you that my daughter, like Andrew, is much loved and we’ve all done what we could to provide help for her. It’s such a tragedy and my condolences to the family.
[…] Condolences to the Vita family. […]