Andrew D Buchanan

Andrew (Andy) Don Buchanan, 71, of Lancaster, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, under the care of Hospice and Community Care at The Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center.

He was born in DuBois, Clearfield County on May 15, 1955, the son of Norman Don Buchanan and Linda Lee (Andrew) Buchanan.

Andy graduated from Penns Valley Area High School in Spring Mills in 1972 and from the Geisinger School of Nursing, Danville, in 1977. He was uniquely gifted in providing psychiatric and mental health care, and used his leadership skills to help manage facilities in both Florida and Pennsylvania. He spent the majority of his career at Phil Haven Hospital in Mount Gretna, retiring in 2018.

With 26 years of continuous sobriety and service, Andy had a passion for welcoming newcomers to the recovery community. His service to the recovery community included preserving archives, speaking at conferences, mentoring newcomers, and, most importantly, providing chocolate. He was also a driving force at bringing recovery programs to the Lancaster County Prison System. Both professionally and personally, Andy changed lives for the better just by being his authentic self.

Andy first encountered the love of his life, Kay Ellen (Wolfe) Buchanan, in high school. They were married June 2, 1973 at Madisonburg United Methodist Church and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. One of Andy's greatest joys was being the father to their son, Zack, and together, the three of them enjoyed peripatetic adventures that took them from State College, Laurelton, Madisonburg, Coburn, Danville, Bloomsburg, DuBois, Boynton Beach, FL, Woodward, Spring Mills, Hershey, and Lancaster. Rooted in family, Andy's love branched out through his four sisters, his wife, his son, and his beloved granddaughters. He delighted in creating special moments that created connection and laughter.

Andy was predeceased by his parents and his older sister, Joy Buchanan (Tucker) Paterson. In addition to his loving wife, Andy is survived by their son, Zachary Don Buchanan, and daughter-in-law, Kristen Daecher Buchanan of Lititz, PA; and their daughters, Zoë Elizabeth and Maya Celeste. He is also survived by his three sisters: Molly Buchanan (Dave Atkins) and Jill Buchanan (Scot Patterson), all of Woodward, PA, and Lee Ann Buchanan of Arvada, CO; his ten nieces and nephews: Jesse (Allison) Mellon, Celana Mellon, Lydia Paterson (Matt Schell), Miles Paterson, Hunter Remer, Corina Remer, Wesley Stover, Jeremiah Paterson (Laura Nelson), Shona Paterson, and Willa Paterson (Alex Sims); and his grand-nephews: Jett Mellon, Micah and Morgan Paterson, and Amari Sims. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings-in-law: Jeanne (wife of the late William)Toy, Elaine (Rich) Christensen, and Dave (Barb) Wolfe; and his Wolfe nieces and nephews, including Sherry (Rob) Worsham, Barbie (John) Bundy, Billy Toy (Luciano Sormani), Andy (Nicola) Wolfe, and Matt Wolfe. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life,which will be held at The 521 Club, 2400 Butter Road, Lancaster, on Saturday, August 15 at 1:30 p.m.

To honor Andy’s love for nature, please consider making a memorial donation to plant trees in our nation's forests through the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org).