Our beloved Andrew T. Kostanecki passed away with his wife, Sheila, by his side on August 31, 2025, at their home in Vero Beach, FL. Born in Warsaw, Poland, to an American mother, Dorothy Adams Kostanecki, and a Polish father, John Telesfor Kostanecki, Andy’s early years were shaped by adversity during the difficult pre-war times in Poland and the death of his father in a plane crash.
After Andy’s father died, his mother, Dorothy, returned to the United States to raise her son (age 4). In 1938, they moved to Douglaston, NY, on Long Island Sound. The water was a wonderful place to be an only child, and Andy began his lifelong love of sailboat racing.
Upon graduating from Canterbury Prep School and Cornell University’s College of Art & Architecture in 1958, Andy was among the first industrial designers in the US. He headed to New Canaan, CT, married Caroline Wolfe, started his family, and began his career in an emerging hotbed of mid-century modern architects and industrial design firms. He quickly moved his family to the neighboring Darien/Noroton Yacht Club to be closer to sailing.
ATK Inc. remained based in New Canaan, CT, and Andy spearheaded a range of projects, including the Hideout, a 1967 precursor to the modern ‘Tiny House’, as well as a wide array of sports equipment, sail/motor boats, skimobiles, pop-up campers, medical devices, and hearing aids. His designs came to life in products, libraries, on skis, and consumer packaged goods. Andy invented the first coffee pouches, the first laminated sails, held several patents, and won the Alcoa Designer Award. Nothing gave him more pleasure than creative problem-solving and applying it to current challenges in design, sailing, and society. Andy was never short of ideas, including the suggestion that iceboating should be an Olympic sport (J) and the idea of building a floating marina in Savannah to create a sailing venue for the Atlanta Olympics.
As a passionate sailor, Andy engaged in the sport both on and off the water. A skilled one-design racer with National and International acclaim in the Finn, 110, and Tempest classes, he competed internationally well into his forties.
Off the water, Andy held numerous leadership positions within the sailing community. He was a leader in the US Yacht Racing Association and the chairman of multiple International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) committees. He was respected for his integrity, global perspective, and sense of humour. He was Chairman of the USYRU Olympic Sailing Committee (1985-1988) and was the Team Leader for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team in Pusan, South Korea.
Andy became a US Olympic Committee flag officer—the first ever elected by all 44 Olympic sports. While his role expanded post-Pusan, Andy was known for putting sailors first – especially those from smaller countries. He was a straight shooter who could disagree with grace. He helped develop multiple Olympic training centers and was a fierce advocate for women in sailing. He also served as Chef de Mission for the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000, further reflecting his devotion to sport, fairness, and inclusion on an international scale.
Andy received the International Sailing Federation’s Gold Medal in 1996. In 2001, he won the prestigious Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy, presented by US Sailing, in recognition of his lifelong service and profound contributions to the sport.
While Andy’s professional and sailing legacy are remarkable, those who know him best remember his humor, intellect, and warm heart. He was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather who lit up when talking about his family. He was predeceased by his former wife, Caroline Wolfe Kostanecki, and his son John. Andy is survived by his children, Andrea and Chris; his daughter-in-law, Barbara; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and his grandchildren, Paige, Emily, Sophie, and Nick Kostanecki. Andy leaves behind Sheila Hexamer Kostanecki, his wife of 38 years, with whom he shared a beautiful life full of love, adventure, travel, and coastal cruising on their J40 “Second Love.” With Sheila, Andy shared four stepchildren and their spouses: John Hexamer (Heidi), Kim Walker, Kristin Flynn (Andy), Mark Hexamer (Dina), and 12 more grandchildren!
Andy will always be remembered as the consummate sportsman—not just sailing, but also golf, skiing, paddle tennis, and any other social sport. While his career focused on industrial design, his friends and family saw him as a “designer of a joyful life.” In his later years, he continued to enjoy a lively community life. He was a devoted member of his men’s speaking group, an engaged mentor, and a regular at local events. He was always eager to share stories, wisdom, and laughter. He loved a good party. Andy developed remarkable friendships throughout his life and enjoyed intense debate. He approached each day with enduring curiosity, a generous heart, a twinkle in his eye, and a broad smile.
Andy’s legacy lives on not only through the many awards and titles he earned but through the many lives he touched.
Fair Winds, Andy!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to US Sailing and designate the Andy Kostanecki Leadership Development Fund.