1950 – 2016

BRIDGEWATER CORNERS, Vt. — Jeffrey Frederick Andrews was taken way too soon. He was unexpectedly called to conduct a train to heaven on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Jeff was born Feb. 7, 1950, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to E. Frederick and Pauline F. (McCarthy) Andrews. Jeff spent many summers in Ticonderoga with his grandparents, Ernest and Vera Andrews, and enjoyed touring the fort. He also enjoyed telling tales of his grandfather McCarthy.

Jeff was active in the Boy Scouts, advancing to Eagle Scout. In 1964, he was chosen to represent his troop at the National Camporee in Valley Forge, Pa.

Jeff attended schools in Niagara Falls. He was the youngest member of the “Flying Classroom,” an exchange student program. He graduated from Jay High School in 1968. He furthered his education at Lowell Technology Institute, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and at Harvard University. Jeff served with the U.S. Army Special Forces during Vietnam and was a LRRP. He experienced many HALO jumps and helicopter jumps into combat zones. Jeff received two Purple Hearts for being wounded twice but remained in the military and committed to his missions. He was also recognized and honored as a founding sponsor of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

He owned and operated his own company, J.F.A. Associates in Westborough, Mass., for many years, helping to develop many projects including local schools. He later worked as a building inspector for the town of Hanover, N.H.

Jeff married Deborah Rhodes in a Scottish ceremony on the Middle Covered Bridge on Oct. 3, 1992, in Woodstock, Vt. Jeff was an avid train buff. He enjoyed building his dream home in Bridgewater Corners. He loved animals and was a devoted family man, calling his mother nightly to check on her.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 23 years, Deborah; his mother, Pauline of Jay; his sister, Robin of Jay; daughter, Dustie Shannon of Westborough, Mass.; and granddaughters, Cassidy and Sarah Shannon of Westborough; as well as many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father in 1977.

Online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com.