Andrew D. Laumbach

Andrew was born on March 9, 1941, in Springer, New Mexico, to Andreas (Red) and Zulema (Tixier) Laumbach. Andrew passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his parents, and a sister, Mary Anne Hess. Andrew is survived by his daughter, Kara, son, Paul, his daughter-in-law, Angelica, and his five cherished grandchildren: Nikki, Joshua, Omar, Vanessa, and Kennedy. He is also survived by his cousin, Gloria Griego, of Albuquerque, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Andrew was married to his college sweetheart, Judy, for 41 loving years. Judy preceded him in death, and their bond remained a defining part of his life. Andrew grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated from St. Mary's High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, followed by a Master of Science in Microbiology and a PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry from Texas Tech University. He also completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Andrew and Judy raised their two children, Kara and Paul, in Vienna, Virginia, where they built a strong family rooted in love, education, and service. Andrew dedicated 28 years of his professional life to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he served as a Senior Regulatory Scientist. In this role, he managed teams of scientists reviewing the safety of chemical and color additives used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. He drafted hundreds of regulations governing the approval or prohibition of additives, served as a science advisor to FDA Commissioners, and prepared agency testimony for congressional hearings, as well as responses to inquiries from Congress, foreign governments, and scientific organizations. In 2005, Andrew and Judy returned to Albuquerque, a place that always felt like home. Andrew was deeply charitable, always willing to help others, and lived his faith through action. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted parishioner at Risen Savior Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held this summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Immediately following mass services, he will be reunited with his loving wife at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery located at 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to first responders, doctors, nurses, hospital employees at UNMH, and directors at FRENCH-Wyoming for their professional and dedicated care for our loved one. A special thanks goes out to his neighbors and friends who visited and watched out for him.