Former juvenile probation chief made impact on others

During the 38 years that Jerome “Jerry” Andria served Fayette County’s Juvenile Court, he made an impact on those he came in contact with, both personally and professionally.
Andria, the county’s former chief juvenile probation officer, died Friday from cancer at his home in Smithfield at age 61.
Friends and colleagues said they are remembering Andria as a compassionate person who went above and beyond to help others.
“He cared very deeply not only for his job but also for the people with whom he dealt with and the youth,” said Fayette County Judge Nancy Vernon.
Vernon said Andria was instrumental in obtaining numerous grants and developing juvenile programs for the county.
Andria began his career as a juvenile probation officer before he became chief in 1985.
After he retired in 2012, Andria continued to work with struggling youth as a compliance officer for Alternative Living Solutions in Greensburg.
Juvenile probation chief officer Heath Randolph said Andria was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of juveniles he came in contact with. “He was vested in his job.”
Randolph said he initially served as a probation officer hired in 2000 by Andria. Over the years, Randolph said Andria became both a friend and mentor.
“He would take time and explain things,” Randolph said. “You never felt he wasn’t listening to you.”
Most of all, Randolph said he will remember Andria for the conversations they had after he retired. “He told me many times to enjoy life and have a balance.”
“Jerry really moved the office forward,” said Randolph. “I learned a lot from him. He helped me personally and professionally.”
Fayette County District Attorney Jack Heneks said he worked extensively with Andria in the court system.
“Jerry was a wonderful guy,” Heneks said. “He ran juvenile probation in a splendid way.”
Andria is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sheila (Taylor) Andria, two children: Sara Elizabeth Andria and friend Andrew Bollinger of Richmond, Va., and Joseph Norman Andria and partner Jordan Musser of Morgantown, W.Va.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Goldsboro-Fabry Funeral Home Inc., 21 E. Church Street, Fairchance.