Joseph Andrew Teller

Joseph "Andrew" Teller, beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew, died peacefully in the arms of his parents on June 24, 2023, at Valley Children's Hospital after a six-month battle with recurrent brain infections followed by a life-ending blood clot. He was 18 years old. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Marianna, and his four siblings, Michael (16), Gabriel (13), Adeline (11), and Helen (7). He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Linda and Gene Atkisson; paternal grandparents, Rosalinda and Joseph Teller; and by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Andrew began his earthly life as a determined fighter. During his birth on February 25, 2005, his mother suffered a splenic arterial aneurysm rupture, a rare event with a 95% mortality rate for the baby. Andrew beat the odds, but suffered from severe cerebral palsy because of his birth injury. Yet Andrew never let his condition defeat his ability to experience joy in life, participate in the activities around him, and make lifelong friends. He loved people very much, and delighted in the company of his family, friends, teachers, classmates, and caregivers. He enjoyed going to school from a young age, riding the bus, making friends, and bringing his exuberant smile and contagious laughter into every room he entered. Whether he was making a craft with the help of a buddy, using an assistive "Jellybean" switch to play with his toys or listen to his favorite music, or just hanging out and watching his favorite Pixar film, Veggie Tales adventure, or Planet Earth episode, Andrew's presence, his love, and his joyful heart made him an inspiration to everyone in his life. Andrew was also a natural teacher. By his utter dependence on others for his everyday care, Andrew taught us how to care for others-and how to accept care from others. By his love for long, quiet walks, scenic drives, and music of all kinds, he taught us the importance of serenity and to delight in the simple beauty all around us. By his attentiveness during prayer and his reception of Holy Communion with his family, Andrew taught us how to pray and to give thanks to a loving God even in the midst of a broken world. And by his lifelong disabilities and the medical challenges they brought, including the last six months of his earthly life, Andrew taught us what it meant to persevere joyfully even in the face of suffering and death. He truly had a soldier's heart, and the soul of a joyful warrior. You have fought the good fight, Andrew. You have won the race. Andrew's visitation will take place on Sunday, July 9, at 4:00 pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, followed by a rosary at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 10, 8:00 am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia, followed by burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Porterville at 10:00 am. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the friends and caregivers throughout the years who loved Andrew and who helped give him the fullest life possible, from Indiana to California. We are also grateful for the medical team and caregivers at Valley Children's Hospital who helped make Andrew's final months a time of love and comfort for Andrew and our entire family. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Andrew Teller

February 25, 2005 - June 24, 2023