Andrei Radulescu
October 12, 1985-November 15,2020
Andrei Radulescu and his family were part of our ACE Tennis family for years, both as player and as a coach. His father and sister also provided guidance as coaches in our Burlington programs. Andrei was a Canadian Junior Champion, an 8 time Provincial Champion, the 2003 Indoor and Outdoor National Champion, a participant in the Junior Australian and US Opens and a student/player at the University of Texas (Texas) and the University of Irvine (California) - and there was so much more life to live. He was a coach’s dream; every match, every point, every practice was a war. His real coach was his father, Gabriel. His Romanian attitude of survival was very much part of the philosophy of Andrei’s tennis development.
Andrei ferocious tennis personality was balanced by his unbelievable heart outside of the courts. He loved all animals and would do anything to save them if they were injured, no matter the cost! He also had an impeccable green thumb and nurtured his plants like they were his children. Cooking was another of his talents – however, we are told, you didn’t want to see the mess in the kitchen afterwards. So many wonderful memories and such a sad loss to all those who knew him. Now we wish him to feel peace, happiness and love as he continues his journey.
He was a very passionate professional tennis player and coach. In recent years, he owned his own business where he continued sharing his gift of playing tennis by teaching junior tennis players to enjoy being on the tennis court and to love the game. Here is one parents view of Andrei which truly demonstrates his sweet side:
"I look at the picture and think it cannot be…Andrei will rush on his bike to the club, get on the court like a hurricane and start coaching kids…no more…this realization hurts as Andrei was part of the family. I remember he would say to Danylo that he has to ‘set up his office’ before going on court: put a towel on a chair, water beside it, his racquet and skipping rope…and he would say, ‘Danylo, your shoes are not tied properly again, you have to learn how to tie them, man!’ He would get down on one knee and show how to pull the strings so it’s very tight…he would do it every lesson. He would come on the weekend early in the morning to warm Danylo up before the tournament..on the days when Danylo put in extra hard work, Andrei wouldn’t take money and would say ‘he’s on my scholarship today”. Andrei would play chess with Danylo during water breaks...he would change grip on his racquets and he would always offer a freeze during the summer camp…"
Born in Romania on October 12, 1985. Passed away unexpectedly in Burlington on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the age of 35. Loving and devoted partner of Dee for 12 years. Cherished son of Gabriel and Doina, and devoted brother of Gabby. Proud grandson of Buni Magda. Andrei will also be dearly missed by many other family members and friends. His ACE family will continue to love and appreciate Andrei for all he’s done for our tennis community as his vivacious and caring spirit continues to live on.
