Andrew Thomas Walsh, 33, of Philadelphia, formerly of Lancaster, was born October 26, 1991 to Mary and Thomas Walsh of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The youngest of five children, Andrew's siblings include: Regina, Thomas, Mary Catherine (Katie) and Therese. The family grew to include Regina's husband Robert and their four kids (Nate, Nelle, Gus & Mae) and Thomas' wife Elisabeth and their two girls (Penny and Josie).

Andrew was born with the genetic disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and although he had to manage the condition his entire life, he never let it define him.  He excelled in both sports and academics.  He was a great swimmer, basketball player and soccer player.  He attended St. Leo the Great School and Lancaster Catholic High School.  After high school, he followed in his brother's footsteps and attended St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. As a lifelong Hawk, Andrew enjoyed both the social and intellectual aspects of higher education.  He was able to study abroad in Galway, Ireland and experience even more of the world.

After graduating with a double major in finance and risk management and insurance, Andrew went to work for a major insurance company.  He was promoted four times in just a few years.  He continued to live in his beloved city of Philadelphia and took advantage of all that the city has to offer, including the food, sports, music and art.  Andrew was always willing to try something new and the city fit his adventurous personality. He remained close to his family and gained the new title of Uncle Drew.

About seven years ago, his disease took a turn for the worse.  He was forced to give up his career and return to Lancaster.  However, after the Covid pandemic subsided, he defied the odds and moved back to Philadelphia. He was not able to rejoin the workforce, but he continued to show up for the people and things he loved.  He rallied for seven years and gave us all more love and laughter.  He welcomed new nieces and nephews into the world and played an active role in their lives. He even wrote a book detailing his experiences in hopes that it would help and inspire others.

Andrew made everything feel more filled with love. He consistently reminded us that family was everything. He was always kind and thoughtful; he thanked his nurses no matter his level of discomfort. He made us laugh even though he was dying, cracking jokes less than 12 hours before his final breath.  Andrew left this world peacefully on January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. He donated his body to science and gave even in death. His legacy of kindness and generosity will live on forever.

Andrew requested that his life be celebrated and not mourned.  He wants a party full of bright colors when the weather is warm.  To honor his wishes, we are going to have a party on May 17, 2025.  Please keep the date saved. Details to follow.  In lieu of flowers, Andrew requested memorial contributions be made to Planned Parenthood www.weareplannedparenthood.org , the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) https://action.aclu.org/give/ now, or to the Nava Center www.thenavacenter.org/donate.