By Krystle J Bailey
Brigantine Mayor, Andy Simpson passed away on Monday after a long battle with kidney disease. Simpson was a lifetime Brigantine resident and beloved member of the community. In his early career, Andy owned a jitney, several gas stations as well as auto repair facilities in South Jersey. His South Jersey entrepreneurial spirit evolved over the years to include real estate investments and recently, Bootleggers Liquor Store in Northfield, NJ. He has served on several Brigantine municipal boards including past president of the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce and Brigantine Lions Club.
His most recent career success came as he stepped into the role of Brigantine Mayor in 2019. Simpson was known around the island to be about more than just politics. He was community-focused and went above and beyond for Brigantine residents. For Simpson, being Mayor was less about a title and more about an opportunity to serve the community that he grew up in. He was known to buy groceries or Christmas gifts for families in need. Several young Brigantine residents referred to Simpson as being better than Santa Claus after his commitment to rebuilding a local skate park last fall. Those who knew and loved Simpson share their love for his great sense of humor and quick wit.
Simpson, who had been in the end stages of renal disease, was awaiting a kidney transplant. The surgery, which was originally planned for March, was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the months that passed, Simpson, unfortunately, fell ill and ended up hospitalized for an extended period of time. On August 24th, Mayor Andy Simpson sadly took his last breath after giving a good fight.
Simpson was predeceased by his wife, Linda. He is survived by his three children, Meggan, Katie, and Andrew.
Deputy Mayor, Vince Sera will step in as acting mayor until November when a special election will be held to fill the remainder of Simpson’s four-year term.
