Heartbreak in New Baden: Community Grieves the Loss of Andrew Postula, a Son, Father, Husband, and Fighter

NEW BADEN, IL — A profound sense of loss has fallen over the community of New Baden following the passing of Andrew Postula, a man whose life was marked not only by his struggles but also by his deep love for family, his sense of humor, and his heart that never stopped trying. He died this week after a long and difficult battle, leaving behind grieving loved ones who are holding tightly to the memory of the man he truly was.

Andrew’s passing was announced in a deeply emotional message from his family, who shared, “Today I lost my firstborn and only son. He’s been struggling for a long time, but he is finally at peace.” Those words captured the heartbreaking weight of a parent’s worst nightmare, but they also reflected the complicated truth of Andrew’s life — a life filled with both hardship and humanity.

Born and raised with strong family ties, Andrew Postula was not defined by his lowest moments. He was so much more than the label that followed him in recent years. He was a devoted son, a loving husband, a proud father, a loyal brother, and a true friend. Those who knew him personally remember his warm laugh, his goofy sense of humor, his fierce loyalty, and the unique way he could light up a room even in his darkest hours.

“He was a good-hearted person,” said a family friend. “He may have stumbled, like we all do in life, but he always tried. And sometimes, he got it right. He loved his kids. He loved his people. And he never gave up trying to be better.”

For those who witnessed his journey firsthand, Andrew’s life was a blend of strength and struggle. Like so many battling addiction, he faced moments of darkness that clouded the light he worked so hard to hold onto. But those who truly loved him never stopped seeing that light. They saw the man who made them laugh until they cried. They saw the father who, even in tough times, showed up with hugs and jokes. They saw the brother who could be counted on in chaos, and the friend who would give the shirt off his back, even if it was all he had.

Andrew’s story is one shared by countless families across America — a life impacted by addiction, but not defined by it. His family is asking that people remember the real Andrew: the funny, kind, generous soul who tried every day to do better. A man who made mistakes, yes, but who also made people feel loved, included, and understood.

In their public statement, his loved ones asked, “Please remember the kind, funny, good-hearted person he was, because he was so much more than an alcoholic.” That reminder echoes a powerful truth: that people are never just one thing. Andrew was a mosaic of love and pain, of joy and struggle — and through it all, he never stopped being human.

Plans are underway to honor Andrew’s life, and his family has said they will share details of the arrangements when finalized. In the meantime, they are asking for privacy as they navigate the crushing grief of this loss. What they do welcome are memories — stories of Andrew’s laughter, his compassion, his little victories, and the ways he touched the lives around him.

Tributes have already begun pouring in on social media. Childhood friends, neighbors, and former coworkers are sharing their heartbreak, as well as gratitude for having known him. “He helped me through some hard times. I’ll never forget how real he was,” one post read. Another shared, “We used to talk about everything under the sun. He struggled, yeah, but he was one of the most genuine people I ever met.”

Andrew leaves behind his wife, his children, his parents, siblings, and extended family who loved him fiercely. Each of them now carries the heavy weight of loss — but also the legacy of love that Andrew gave so freely.

In a world quick to judge, his family asks that people choose instead to remember Andrew for who he was at his best. Because even in his brokenness, he gave love. Even in his hardest times, he made people smile. And even in his silence, he mattered.

Rest in peace, Andrew Postula. You were loved deeply, and you will never be forgotten. 🕊️