Andre Handojo Obituary (1940 - 2023)

Dr. Andre Handojo (Jo Hok An) April 13, 1940 - August 5, 2023 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) Andre Handojo (Jo Hok An) (83) passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side. Andre was born in Batavia, Dutch East Indies (later Jakarta, Indonesia) as the eldest son of 10 brothers and sisters of Yohannes Jo Tjoen Hwee and Tan Sioe Nio. As a student, he developed a love of science and medicine that brought him to study at the IPB Agricultural Institute, then at the University of Indonesia (UI) to become a doctor. There he met his future wife Nany Lukito, who was pursuing her own medical studies. They graduated as physicians in 1968, two of the handful of graduates of Chinese heritage in a class of hundreds at UI. His dedication to work and family was exemplified by serving relentlessly as a physician for more than 25 years, while becoming the Head of the Public Health Office overseeing all the municipal instances in the capital city, and serving as the official doctor of the House of Regional Representatives (DPRD) and the Governor of Jakarta. In 1989, he moved to Duarte, California, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of living in the United States. He worked at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center before he moved to New Jersey to live closer to his children, Ivan and Inge, and their families. Andre distinguished himself as caring, dedicated, and principled. His response to one ethical challenge has entered family lore: When serving as the Head of the Public Health Office, Andre's steadfast refusal to accept the "perks" often offered to civil servants paid off when he became the only member of his entire department to be completely exonerated in a corruption scandal. Andre's family and friends will remember him for mixing intelligence, heart and hard work - values that he shared with his family, even while supporting his children in exploring their own interests. He was a lifelong learner; you would never find Andre without a pen and paper in his pocket to take notes. His wide-ranging knowledge of topics in the life sciences, history, literature, and geography will be cherished by his family. In his spare time, Andre enjoyed listening to Stephen Foster hymns and James Last songs, watching Charlie Chaplin and James Bond movies, and practicing well-crafted Chinese calligraphy. He will be missed dearly. Andre made a profession of Catholic faith in the 1980s and never wavered in his beliefs until the end. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings Keng An, Tiang An, Liang An, Ciu Lian, Kian An and Yung An. He is survived by his wife Nany (Loe Sian Nio), siblings Eng Nio, Yen An and Ciu Ling, his son Ivan (Ignatia Rina) Handojo, daughter Inge (John) Bader, grandsons Kevyn (24) and Kyle (19) Handojo and Liam Bader (15). Arrangements are under the respectful care and direction of Funeral Director: Christine Cuoco of Ruby Memorial Funeral Home. www.rubymemorialhome.com