Andrew James Bresnan, 64, of Emmaus, died peacefully in his sleep Sept. 3, 2026. Born in Philadelphia, he was raised in Oreland, Ambler and Blue Bell, Pa., by his loving parents, Edward Thomas Bresnan (1929-1998) and Elizabeth Ann Ryan (1934-2015).

A prolific artist and an eclectic collector, he was a good photographer, a great writer and a fantastic artist. He loved to cook and he was absolutely hilarious.

Among all these crafts, however, his first and best was always music. Throughout his life, he played countless instruments (chief among them the trombone, tuba and guitar) with many groups, including Baby Flamehead, Butterfly Joe, the Wild Bohemians, the Junior Mints, the Big Mess Orchestra and the Emmaus Public Singing Society.

In 2005, he founded the EPSS, where he brought light and joy to the people of Emmaus for over 20 years at the local farmers’ market and other events. He was also the bandleader and creative spark for the Big Mess Orchestra where he was able to gather professionals and amateurs to create its bawdy, beautiful, and wildly inventive cabarets.

He felt the world needed more music and lightness, and throughout his life he brought it to anyone he could.

He is survived by his daughters, Maxine Emilia and Eleanor Rix and their mother, Kristin Anna Chimes; his sister, Martha and her daughter, Samantha; his sister, Liza; his brother, Joseph and his wife, Kim and their children, Emily and Gregory and Greg’s wife, Margot; girlfriend, Lisa Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus. Online condolences may be offered at www.BKRFH.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Seven Generations Charter School (https://sevengenerationsschool.org/donate/) and/or Action Wellness (https://www.actionwellness.org/donate/direct-donation/), the successor organization for ActionAIDS, the beneficiaries of the Big Mess Cabaret dress auction funds. Please designate “in memory of Andy Bresnan”.