GLOUCESTER: Thomas S. Andrew died Saturday, May 7, 2011 in the Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving, and now grieving, family. He was the husband of Nancy (Merriam) Andrew.
Born in Newton on June 17, 1930, he was the son of the late Sumner Bartlett and Eloise (Singleton) Andrew.
Tom wrote his own obituary a few weeks ago and wanted it titled “As the Hat Turns” referring to the Marine Corps hat he always wore.
Tom served as a U.S. Marine during the Korean Conflict, and took part in the battle at Chosin Reservoir. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
After Korea, Tom taught elementary school at the Rumsey Hall School in Connecticut and the Elizabeth Morrow School in New Jersey.
After moving back to Gloucester, Tom became one of the earliest Emergency Medical Technicians to be certified and worked for O’Brien’s and later, Beauport Ambulance.
Tom was a long-time member and past President of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association and a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award. His call sign was KA1GTA, which is now a silent key.
Tom enjoyed collecting coins and stamps and, much to the horror of some people, feeding squirrels from his bedroom window.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Mark T. Andrew and partner, Yssabel Marren; his sister, Anne Brantley Betts; his brother, Eben S. Andrew and wife Sandra, and many beloved nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21st in the Annisquam Village Hall, Leonard St., Annisquam at 11:30 a.m. Handicap access is available at the rear of the building. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930 or to the Essex County Greenbelt Assoc., 82 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA 01929.