Obituaries
Andrew Thomas Walsh, 33
January 01, 2025
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.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
January 30, 2025
Dear Mary & family, I am heartbroken for you learning of the passing of Andrew:( I cannot imagine your grief. I will always remember Andrew as a bright, sunshine-y boy who never played the sick card. What an amazing life he lived and reading all that he accomplished; You should be so proud. You are in my thoughts and prayers, I know his essence & legacy will live on in in all of you.
Lisa Tallarico
January 12, 2025
What an amazing tribute to man who truly lived life! My sympathy to all of your family. I didn’t know Andrew but it was an inspiration to read about him. God bless all of you.
Nancy Henry
January 10, 2025
I’m so sorry Mary I’m thinking of all you and your family. I remover many good times with all of you when visiting you with Auntie Karen. sending prayers and hugs. 🤗🤗😘❤️❤️
Eileen Malames
January 07, 2025
I hope his legacy continues to live on. Such an inspiring story!
Elena S Shelton
January 06, 2025
Our family will always remember yours from St. Leo’s. My daughter Abbie and Andrew were classmates, so I think of him as a smiling, determined little boy and you, Mary, as a thoughtful and extra busy mom who worked with us as volunteers. What a high achieving, productive and loving life he lived since those early years. Deepest condolences to all of you in your sorrow.
Valerie (Asuncion) Weller
January 06, 2025
Thinking of Andrew and his family during this difficult time. I’ll always fondly remember our days at St. Leo’s and LCHS together. In particular, I remember him sharing how each year he and his family had a pumpkin carving tradition with pumpkin guts flying everywhere. To this day, I still recall his spunky spirit, kindness, and fascination with cows (circa 2nd grade). Rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Abbie Asuncion Herron
January 06, 2025
Simply the best of humanity.
Maggie Dunn Love
January 06, 2025
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Andrew was a wonderful friend, kind, caring, and a fantastic sense of humor. Rest Easy, Andrew ❤️
Sarah Veronis Hahn
January 06, 2025
Dear Mary and Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathies in the passing of Andrew.May he rest in peace.Amen.
The Wanchalk Family
January 05, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of your son Andrew. I hope you find some peace in the days ahead as your family gathers around you. Joanne McMahon
January 05, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. Love The Maher Family.
January 05, 2025
My deepest sympathy to all of Andrew’s loved ones. A warm, kind soul with a unique sense of humor. He will be missed ❤️🩹
Julie Kizeik
January 05, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. I know Andrew was such an important part of your family and that he will be missed very much. I remember him coming in the barbershop with his Mom and sisters. I could tell how special he was by the way you guys cared for him. And then to have all his sisters and brother live close to each other in their adult life had to be priceless. I truly am sorry for your loss. Kim at Manor West Barbers.
January 05, 2025
My deepest condolences to Andrew’s family. Your father ( Tom ) was so proud as he spoke of all his children. Especially of Andrew, how brave and determined he was to play sports and live a fulfilling life; in spite of his disease. All my love to Mary and the family. Cousin Jim Berger
January 05, 2025
Want to send condolences &🙏🏻 to your whole family. Cherish your memories, and family is most important at this time. Friend of Katie!!💪🏻💯🇺🇸
Rich kline
January 04, 2025
He was a kind & generous soul.So sorry for your loss 💔
🙏🏻Nancy Titus
January 04, 2025
My heart breaks over this, my friend. Much love to you and all of Andrew’s siblings…the date in May is noted on my calendar. Please take care. See you soon.
Valerie Shapella
