Andre Anthony Vera

VERA, Andre Anthony, 48, of Valrico, passed away Monday, November 6, 2017. He was born April 24, 1969 in Grand Rapids, MI and moved to Florida 1997 where he owned and operated a successful healthcare staffing company. Andre attended The University of Indianapolis on a full ride swim scholarship where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia with a Master’s Degree. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patti Vera. Andre is survived by his father, Lu Vera; brothers, Christian Vera, David Vera (Sonya) and Adam Vera; nephew, Ari, and nieces, Taylor, Bella, and Lilli. Dre lived life big and to its fullest; traveled the globe – Europe, Dominican Republic, Australia, British and US Virgin Islands, and throughout the Main Land. He touched many people throughout the years. Within minutes of meeting him you would have thought you had known each other for years. He was an exceptional athlete – JUCO and DII All-American Swimmer; invited by Team USA upon HS graduation to train; participated in numerous triathlons; set numerous school records at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (records unbeatable for 20-25 years) and at the University of Indianapolis where he still holds the 10th best time in the 1650 Freestyle. He participated in a number of fundraisers that benefitted area Hospice and Cancer programs throughout Florida as a golfer, a sponsor, or as an athlete. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to can be made to the following charities or programs: WMU OT Program https://wmich.edu/ot/giving; Champions for Children https://cfctb.org/; or SunCoast Hospice https://suncoasthospice.org/about-suncoast-hospice/. Words of comfort may be expressed for Andre's family by clicking on the “Share a Memory” link below.