Unearthing The Undead 15 - ANDREW GASS

Andrew Gass was a Forest Hills police officer in Night of the Living Dead.  Paul Coffman, was his good friend and partner.  Andrew's name was given to us by Paul's wife Rose.  

Amusingly, both Rose and Andrew's son Drew told me the same exact story about Andrew flubbing his line in the film.  They mentioned that he said "Chuck wagon" instead of "supply wagon", where more likely he was supposed to say "Do you need any supplies from the wagon, Cus?" and it came out "Want anything from the supply wagon Cus?"

"Andrew Barton Gass (Andy) was born on July 29th, 1930. Son of Hilda and John Gass.  Andy was married to Joanne Marie Gass   As a child, he grew up during the Great Depression.  Andy served his country in the military during World War II. Andy followed his dad, John, as a young man and became a carpenter's apprentice.

Later, he would attend the police academy.  He served as a police officer for 25 years in Forest Hills, PA, just outside Pittsburgh.  As a result of the Depression, Andy had a work ethic that was second to none; he would work 16 to 18-hour days while he was a policeman, picking up odd shifts as a carpenter or any odd job that helped make ends meet.  He never left his family to worry or know what it was like to be without.

Andy had two passions.  One was playing bagpipes with his father for the Scottish Rite Masons.  Second was his passion for cars.  Boy, did he love cars?

Andy had three children: David, the oldest; John, the boy, the middle child; and Andy, the youngest. He had four grandchildren: Jennifer, Jodi, Alyson, and Jessica. "

--Drew Gass (Andy's Son)

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Researched and compiled by John Vullo

Text and photos © Image Ten, Inc.

If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com

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