Obituary of Francis Thomas McAndrew

Frank “Mickey” McAndrew, 73

Frank “Mickey” McAndrew, 73, of Lake Hiawatha passed away on Friday December 31, 2021.

Visiting will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to; West Orange Elks, Special Children’s Committee, 424 Main St., West Orange NJ 07052

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 179 Baldwin Rd in Parsippany. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in East Hanover.

Frank was born in New York City, raised in East Orange before settling in Lake Hiawatha. He was a retired Deputy Chief of the East Orange Fire Department, he also owned and operated JEM Vending. Mickey was a member of the West Orange Elks BPOE 1590, the East Orange FMBA Local #223, East Orange Firemen’s Relief Association, and the Essex County Emerald Society Chapter #1.

Frank was the beloved husband of Alice McAndrew (nee Burroughs). Devoted father of Michael and his wife Shannon, James and his wife Amy, and Edward and his wife Lisa. Cherished grandfather of Daniel, Christopher, Donovan, Olivia, and Declan.  Loving brother of Virginia Kehoe (Bill), and the late Douglas and David McAndrew.

Mickey McAndrew was husband, father, grandfather, fierce friend, Notre Dame fan, fireman, chef extraordinaire, smart, and a very generous man.  These are just a few of the things that come to mind when describing him. 

His laugh was sure to get you laughing.  His smile, with his big rosy cheeks, was sure to make you smile.  His honesty and endless patience were what made him a great listener.

He was always willing to help, no matter the task.  Hungry, just stop over, he always had leftovers in the fridge.  If you had a broken faucet, “Ah, should be no problem!”  But do not bother him during a Notre Dame game!

Once you were a friend, you were a friend for life.   His loyalty and generosity were what made you want to be around him.  When he grabbed you by the back of the neck with his big “mitts”, you knew he was saying, “I love you.”

It is a very rare gift to know someone who only inspires you to work hard, laugh loud, and give endlessly.   He was that person for us.  He had such a profound impact on our lives, and he will be sorely missed.

We love you Mickey McAndrew-husband, dad, grandfather, and loyal friend!