JOSEPH MICHAEL MCANDREW- Obituary
Joseph Michael McAndrew, peacefully at home, in the twilight of December 19, 2024, with his father by his side. Age 50. Beloved son of Edward J. McAndrew and the late Sandra L. McAndrew of Clayton, New Jersey. Loving brother of Edward J. McAndrew and Stephen P. McAndrew, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Joe had a big smile, belly laugh, heart of gold, and sharp Irish wit. He had the gifted hands of a finish carpenter, soulful guitar player, and talented hockey player. He excelled at crafting intricate wood designs and loved to write and play music of all kinds.
Joe was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on December 17, 1974, and was a lifelong resident of Clayton, New Jersey. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1993, where he played baseball and was friends with everyone.
Joe loved animals (particularly his dogs), the water, and the woods. He was a devoted surfer and a lifelong fisherman who always seemed to catch what others could not. Saltwater ran in his veins. He also loved to hunt and spend time by the lake and in the woods. He was a regular presence at Wilson Lake, from his first fishing trips as a toddler to his last days.
He was devoted to his mother, for whom he cared for many years as her health declined. He loved the holidays and always remained strong in his faith in God.
While Joe’s heart was always pure, his mind became clouded by a debilitating illness in his adult years. It was an illness that separated so many loving people from Joe’s mind but never from his heart.
We will miss Joe dearly but are comforted in our faithful belief that God has delivered him from his earthly burdens and granted him the greatest gift of all this Christmas.
Services for Joe will be private under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, 1244 North Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360, https://sjras.org/donate/. Sign the guestbook and share condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.