Andrew N. Assimos

Andrew N. (“Andy”) Assimos passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 22, 2025, at the age of 94. Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Andy later made his home in Rehoboth Beach, where he continued to live a full and devoted life centered on family, service, woodcarving, and the sea.

His parents were Nicholas D. Assimos and Stella Boines Assimos, both of whom emigrated from Greece in the early 1900’s.  Nicholas emigrated by himself from a mountain village called Ano Chora and Stella emigrated with her family from the famed city of Sparta.  Andy was justly proud of his Greek heritage.  In honor of that heritage each of his succession of boats were named the “Spartan”.

Andy was an altar boy and member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington, a church and community to which his parents, his uncles and his brothers were devoted for many years.

Andy proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years as a Fire Control Technician and was honorably discharged in 1954. His service at sea marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to maritime life.

Following his naval service, Andy dedicated more than six decades to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving continuously from 1960 to 2021—a remarkable 61-year tenure. He served with distinction in multiple roles, including as District Operations Officer. Over his Auxiliary career, he completed nearly 500 search and rescue and assistance patrols, was credited with saving 15 lives in rescue situations, and was honored with numerous commendations and awards, including the Award of Operational Merit and selection as the first “Auxiliarist of the Year” for Group Eastern Shore.  His tireless service was chronicled in “Topside”, an official magazine of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In addition to his service, Andy was a gifted and award-winning woodcarver, renowned especially for his lifelike depictions of birds, dogs, other wildlife, and patriotic symbols. A perfectionist in his craft, he refined his artistry in later years alongside his good friend and painter James Fischer. His carvings, treasured by both his family and many collectors, are noted for their extraordinary realism.  His work was heralded in news articles in, among other publications, the Wilmington News Journal, the Cape Gazette and Dog World magazine.  Bronze reproductions of his highly accurate dog carvings were used as award presentations to the owners of champion dogs.

Andy shared ownership of two restaurants with his brothers (James, Charles and George):  the Executive Inn in Wilmington (where he was chef) and the Lynnhaven Inn in New Castle; and he spent most of his working life in the restaurant business.

Andy’s greatest devotion, however, was to his family. He was a beloved brother, uncle and granduncle, always putting family first. He is remembered by his nephews as “like a second Dad,” and many fondly recall the cherished deep sea fishing trips on his boat “Spartan” shared with their Uncle Andy and also the hearty breakfasts he prepared when they visited.

He is survived by his brother, George Asimos, Sr.; his nephews, Charles Assimos, Gary Assimos, and George Asimos, Jr.; his niece, Carol Anne (Asimos) Clark; and many grandnephews and grandnieces.

Andy Assimos leaves behind a legacy of service, artistry, and love—an example of humility, craftsmanship, and quiet heroism. He lived life just as he chose to live it.  His presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.