20-Year-Old New Hope Railroad Employee Leaves Behind Lasting Impact

The community is mourning the sudden loss of Andrew Goldberg, a 20-year-old New Hope Railroad employee whose kindness, quiet strength, and genuine care for others left a lasting imprint far beyond his years.

Goldberg, a Central Bucks South High School graduate and Warrington Township native, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 17. Family members said he died peacefully in his sleep due to a terminal seizure.

He was a most special, kind and so very precious person to me,” wrote his mother, Amy, on Facebook. “We are all in shock. He was proud of everything he did at Yum Yum and his other job.”

In the days since, tributes have poured in from friends, coworkers, educators, and community leaders, each echoing the same sentiment: Andrew was someone who made people feel seen, valued, and respected simply by being himself.

Those who worked alongside him remembered a young man who took deep pride in everything he did. At Yum Yum Bake Shops on West Street Road in Warminster, where he was a familiar and beloved face, coworkers described him as mature, funny, and deeply thoughtful — someone who led with kindness and a positive attitude.

“We recently learned of the sudden passing of Andrew Goldberg, a beloved member of our Yum Yum family. He was a dedicated, caring, mature, funny, all-around amazing kid. We all learned so much from him on how to be a good person and how to go about every day with a great attitude, and to treat people how you want to be treated. We will all miss him very much. Until we meet again, my friend,” wrote Yum Yum on its Facebook page on Friday.

Others recalled his enthusiasm and warmth at New Hope Railroad where he worked as a trainman.

“At just 20 years old, Andrew embodied the very spirit of the heritage railroad industry, channeling his deep love of railroad history into creating memorable experiences for thousands of passengers from around the world. Above all, his infectious smile brought out the best in everyone he worked with,” the railroad posted.

Other remembered his dedication as an Eagle Scout and his leadership through service-oriented clubs and volunteer work, like the Operation Eternal Gratitude club at CB South.

Whether on the job, in school, or with family, Andrew was known for showing up fully and offering help without being asked.

“Andrew touched a lot of lives. Nice kid. Gone too soon,” wrote Steve Gilbert.  “This loss is reverberating far and wide, our sincerest condolences to all who loved and respected him,” wrote Stephanie Gale.

One friend credited Andrew with inspiring him to learn guitar and dream about making music together.

I loved being his coworker and friend … We wanted to make a band together, I’ll always be very sad that me and him couldn’t do that,” wrote Brandan Paradis.

Another noted that, even at 20, Andrew carried a level of maturity and empathy that many never reach.

“Andy was genuinely thoughtful and super kindhearted dude. It hurts me to know you left us too young only at 20 but I’ll never forget, at 20, this guy was more mature and knowledgeable than some ‘adults’ I know in their 30s,” wrote Adam Dietz. “I wish more people were like you. I miss you severely and every time I see a train I’ll think of you buddy.”

Community members and friends described him as hardworking, respectful, and deeply compassionate — someone whose presence made spaces better simply by being there.

“Andy was a hardworking, kind, respectful, funny, amazing young man. Such a devastating loss,” wrote Central Bucks School Board Director Jenine Zdanowicz.

“I always used to joke with him about when he was going to give me a free box of donuts. I know he took a lot of pride in his work there. My condolences to the employees at Yum Yum who got to know him,” wrote Andrew DeSabatino.

As loved ones continue to grieve, many have expressed hope that his legacy will endure in the simple, powerful example he set: lead with empathy, help when you can, and treat people with care.