Andy Lewis, a Haverford Township commissioner for the Fifth Ward and former Delaware County councilperson, has died from a neurodegenerative disorder, writes Patricia Madej for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lewis was a Republican with a long business and political career. He was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease late last month.

“Mr. Lewis was a man of high integrity who in addition to his many years of service on our Township Board also served Delaware County as a Commissioner earlier in his career,” said Gerry Hart, president of the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners in a statement.

Hart said Lewis was known for his passionate commitment to his 5^th Ward constituents and to the future of Haverford Township.

“It has been an honor for me to work with and get to know Andy these past three years.”

Thomas McGarrigle, head of the Delaware County GOP, called Lewis “a man of great principle” .

Lewis was elected Fifth Ward commissioner in 2003, and later served as a Delaware County councilperson. He returned to his post as Fifth Ward commissioner in 2016 following a landslide victory against incumbent Jeff Heilmann.

His father, Drew Lewis, was  former U.S. transportation secretary under President Ronald Reagan. His mother, Marilyn Lewis, was a former state representative.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about Andy Lewis.