Andrew John “Bubba” Besonson, age 25 of Edinboro, died in an automobile accident on Sunday morning, May 8, 2011. Born in Erie on March 20, 1986, he is the son of Gene L. Besonson and Charmaine J. Lesik Besonson, both of Cambridge Springs.

Besonson, Andrew John Andy was a 2004 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School and the Erie County Vocational Technical School where he completed the Facilities Maintenance program. He was employed for the past 5 years at the Erie Zoo where he enjoyed his job as animal maintenance supervisor. Previously he had been employed at Craig Newell Welding in Cambridge Springs.

Andy lived a passionate life and loved hanging out with family and friends. In his daily life he enjoyed motorcycles, boating, bonfires, and “nerf wars” with his brothers.

Family members include his mother, Charmaine Lesik Besonson; his father, Gene Besonson and fianc??? Kimberly Barton; two brothers, Ed Besonson of Prescott Valley, AZ and Adam Besonson and fianc??? Robin Keister of Centerville; maternal grandparents, Joe and Edna Mae Lesik of Waterford; paternal grandparents, Don and Vera Besonson of Cambridge Springs; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and Clyde the dog.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place at the Mill Village United Methodist Church on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Betty Hollabaugh. Burial will follow at Mitchell Cemetery, Cambridge Township.

Donations may be made in Andy’s memory to the Erie Zoo.