Ed Andrade, 61, chairman of San Diego-based mechanical contractor A.O. Reed & Co., died at his home in November of cancer.

Andrade came to A.O. Reed in 1963 and quickly became a plumbing foreman. He was selected to head up the company's new Project Management Department in 1969, then moved to vice president of construction operations. In 1982 he became president and chief executive officer. A year later, Andrade, along with his wife and a partner, purchased the company from the Reed family. He then added chairman to his list of titles.

His son, Steve Andrade, was named president and CEO in 1994; Ed retained his position of chairman of the board.

Ed is survived by his wife, three children (all of whom work in the business) and seven grandchildren.