Obituary of Andrew G. Mead

Andrew G. Mead passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 with his family by his side. He leaves his beloved wife Mary, family and friends with unforgettable memories of lively, good-humored conversations and time together.  

Born in Evanston, IL to the late Robert and Thulia Mead, Andrew was the third of four sons. He grew up in Connecticut and Paoli, PA where he graduated from Conestoga High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1979 from Franklin & Marshall College in PA and a Master of Arts in Economics in 1983 from Indiana University in IN. Andrew joined Prudential after college and subsequently worked for U.S. Life, Guardian, and other large insurance firms in the NY area. He held various positions, ultimately serving as a regulatory Compliance Officer before retiring.

Andrew met Mary Nirmala Madalemuthu, through mutual friends and a shared love of the outdoors. After marrying in 2012, the couple settled in Rockaway. During their 20+ years together, they enjoyed spending time in Maine and traveling, particularly to India and Europe where they shared holidays and celebrations with extended family. 

From an early age, Andrew went on family hikes, canoe and camping trips. Being outdoors remained an important part of his life. He walked 5-6 miles daily, often in the woods; canoed in Maine and at Split Rock Reservoir; took part in century (100 mile) bike rides; and led hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club. A true mathematician, he enjoyed tracking his progress and kept a daily log of steps, miles ridden or hiked. Andrew’s favorite spot was Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, ME, where he spent summer vacations with his family starting in the ‘60s. The tradition continues: each August Andrew and Mary enjoyed spending time on the beach with Andrew’s brother and his family and walking to Fox Island during low tide. 

Andrew was widely read and enjoyed history and non-fiction as well as current fiction. He waited for his New Yorker to arrive each week, listened to National Public Radio in the car to stay informed, and loved completing crossword and Sudoku puzzles in pen.

Andrew is survived by his wife Mary, his brothers Vance and Matthew, and their wives Elina and Beth. They, along with Andrew’s numerous nieces and nephews in NY, California, Finland and India, share Mary’s sorrow at the sudden passing of her beloved husband. The family takes comfort in many happy memories and the belief that Andrew has been reunited with his parents and older brother James.  They know that Andrew’s many friends and co-workers have their own wonderful memories about adventures with Andrew and hope to hear some of those stories in the coming days. 

Memorial Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 23^rd from 4 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 24^th at 3 pm at St. Simon the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 1010 Green Pond Rd, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Andrew’s memory to either National Public Radio, NPR – Development, PO Box 791490, Baltimore, MD 21279-1490, or by clicking here (make sure to select in “this gift is in honor or memory of someone”), or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 (with the printed and filled out insert that can be found on the tab to your left) or by clicking here (again please click to dedicate this gift to friend or loved one).

Please leave condolences for Andrew’s family and friends, light a candle, and share your favorite memory here to remember and celebrate his incredible life.