Andrew Turak

ANDREW TURAK, 41 December 8, 1981 - May 28, 2023 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania After a long, hard-fought battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer, Andrew unfortunately succumbed to the… Actually, no. We're not doing that kind of obituary. Andrew did not lose his battle with cancer. When he died, the cancer died too, so that's not a loss, it's a draw. Andrew Turak, who you may have known better as Drew, Uncle Dude, or MC Scumbag, lived his entire life in Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you knew Andrew, he was probably your favorite - favorite friend, favorite sibling, favorite cousin, or favorite person to have a conversation with, whether it be a philosophical discussion or debating the best way to eat a hot dog. It is an impossible task to encompass a person who was so many different things to so many people. Andrew grew up surrounded mostly by women, starting with his mom and sisters, and continuing with a high niece-to-nephew ratio. Over the years, he gained brothers-in-law and nephews to finally offset the balance. Throughout the course of weekly hangouts with Zach Dean, his newest brother-in-law, a bromance developed, and Andrew truly considered Zach his brother. Andrew's wife, Mel, came into his life and was nothing but an asset to him, without ever expecting Andrew to change who he was. Throughout their entire relationship, but especially over the last two years, Mel was an advocate for Andrew and cared for him tirelessly. He loved Mel more than anyone even knew he was capable. Andrew and his dad watched a sporting event together just about every day, from Pitt basketball to Steelers football to boxing matches. He was a talented self-taught keyboardist and vocalist, as evidenced in hits such as "Stroller Ass," or in collaborations with his forever music partner Marty McElroy. He watched Jeopardy! most nights, frequently sharing multiple blind guesses for Final, even though having more than one guess is technically cheating. Andrew was the life of the party, known as the guy who would go to school dances with anyone who needed a date, including his little sister who took him to her own prom. Any excuse to show off his amazing dance moves was worth it. Over the years, Andrew turned his friends and family onto tons of comedians, providing insight into his impeccable sense of humor. Wine connoisseur, basketball player, the funniest guy you've ever met, pool shark, lively debater, dog-dad, comfort king, poet - these are some of the words that are evoked at the thought of Andrew, still only scratching the surface. Andrew is survived by his incredible wife Melanie Dean, parents Andrew J. and Mary Turak, sisters Nicole (Donnie) Freyer, Jessica (Dominick) Peluso, Allison (Steven) Ladavat, abundant nieces and nephews Julia, Ava, Isaiah, Isabel, Abe, Giana, Claire, Violet, Stella, Hazel, Dexter, Parents-in-law Jack (Renee) Dean, Marlene Dean, Brother-in-law Zach (Rachel) Dean, plenty of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and of course, his sweet dog Chloe. Andrew truly and deeply loved life and ensured that he was making the most of it until the very end. He was not ready for his life to end, and we are not ready to say goodbye to our favorite, but we are grateful for the time that we shared with him. Funeral Services will be held at D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. 4522 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 James K. Murray, Funeral Director Viewing Schedule: Tuesday, May 30 4pm until 8pm Wednesday, May 31 2pm until time of service at 7pm Burial will be private Please wear casual attire. Dress for comfort - it's what Andrew would've worn to your funeral. U wanna be my friend We can hangout then Just for a day We can hang and play Like the setting sun Their first and last one I'll remember you And I hope you do too - Andrew Turak