Seven Hills City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to name the city-owned parcel at the farmers market area as Master Sergeant Joseph J. Andres Jr. Memorial Park, honoring a local soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Master Sergeant Andres, 34, died Dec. 24, 2005, in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained during combat operations in Baqubah. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Special Forces soldier was posthumously promoted to master sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and the Purple Heart.
The park, located at the corner of Hillside and Broadview roads on permanent parcel number 552-05-001, replaces earlier plans to incorporate Andres’ name into the Rockside Road development project.
Mayor Anthony Biasiada explained the administration had been working with the Andres family for several years on plans to honor their son. Initially, the recognition was tied to the ongoing Rockside Road development, as much of that area was once owned by the Andres family.
However, as development plans evolved over the years, the pocket park planned for the Rockside project offered low visibility. The mayor said the family and city administration wanted to honor Andres in the most conspicuous area possible, leading to the selection of the farmers market location.
The high-visibility corner location will ensure all communities see the memorial honoring his sacrifice for the nation, the mayor said.
Years in the Making
Council member Elliott thanked the mayor for fulfilling a promise that had been discussed for years. He noted the effort dated back to when he first joined council and praised the mayor for bringing it to fruition.
“This is another promise that was kept,” Elliott said. “This has been around for I don’t know how many years since we were on council and it’s coming to fruition. It’s awesome.”
Council member Kelly echoed Elliott’s comments, calling the recognition long overdue and a great way to honor and respect Master Sergeant Andres.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day at 2 p.m., featuring American Legion Post 572, taps and a 21-gun salute. The mayor invited all council members and the public to attend the park renaming ceremony. While the area has not yet been fully developed, the formal naming and dedication will take place on Veterans Day.
Funding and Development Plans
Council also approved Resolution 14-2025, authorizing the mayor to apply for the 2026 Cuyahoga County Supplemental Grant Program. The city plans to use grant funds for amenities at the memorial park, similar to how grants funded improvements like the gazebo and other projects throughout the city.
The mayor said the grant application will include suggested amenities for the memorial park. If approved by the county, work could begin as early as next spring. The administration plans to develop the park gradually over one to two years, consistent with how other city park projects have been completed.
The Northeast Ohio Patriot Organization will partner with the city on the memorial park project. The organization will create a donation link allowing community members to contribute to memorial park improvements. All donations through the nonprofit organization will be tax-deductible, with 100 percent of funds directed to the Seven Hills memorial park project.
About Master Sergeant Andres
A native of Garfield Heights, Andres graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in Parma. He enlisted in the Army Reserve as a combat medic in February 1992. In April 1993, he volunteered for active duty service and was assigned as a combat medic to the 42nd Medical Company, 68th Medical Group in Wiesbaden, Germany.
He later served as a medical noncommissioned officer at William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, and as a Special Forces communications noncommissioned officer with 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis, Washington.
At the time of his death, Andres was a Special Operations Team member assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. His military training included the U.S. Army Airborne Course, U.S. Army Ranger Course, Military Freefall Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course and Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Field Medic Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.
He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Sandra Andres, of Seven Hills.
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