William Francis Andrews

William F. “Bill” Andrews, of Quincy unexpectedly passed away January 13, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. Originally from Quincy, Bill was raised by his parents, William Sr. and Eileen “Nokie” Andrews, alongside his siblings, Eileen and Scott, in many locations throughout the South Shore of Massachusetts, from Quincy to Pembroke. Bill was most fond of his time growing up in the Houghs Neck neighborhood of Quincy, playing street hockey and having his mother yell his name from the doorstep for dinner. Growing up, and still by some of his closest friends, Bill was known as “Noon” due to his hair that was “as red as the afternoon sun,” and he would want everyone to know that he never was bald and brushed his hair everyday. Bill was known for his intelligence, humor, and friendship to others -- to his younger siblings that he tormented with pranks, the friendship came later in life.

Bill was extremely fond of his job at Star Market in Quincy Center during his teens and twenties, where he met his lifelong best friends and got up to antics that became the foundation for his legendary stories for the rest of his life. The greatest prank he ever played at Star Market was stealing the time card of his future wife, Michelle, until she would accept his offer to go on a date. From there on out, they fell deeply in love for the following 40 years and were married for 32 years. Bill expressed his adoration for his sweetheart Michelle everyday in the only way he knew how, by making her laugh until her sides hurt. As a dedicated husband, everything he did was a love letter to his beautiful wife -- working long nights, scrutinizing over his perfectly balanced checkbook, and tediously planning out their future to make sure that she wouldn’t have to worry about a thing as they grew old together. Although unable to reach his goal of retiring to Cape Cod with the love of his life, his joy and memories will always remain with every beach sunset, every oyster, every Cape Cod baseball game, every cribbage game, every drive over the Sagamore bridge, and every befriended waitstaff and bartender.

Everyone with the pleasure of knowing Bill would label him as their best friend. When he spoke with anybody, he made them feel as if they were the most important person in the room through his humor, attentiveness, and gentle spirit. While many were blessed with his friendship, his true best friends were his two children, Colleen and Stephen, that he raised exuberantly, hand-in-hand with his wife. He taught them everything from finding the fun in every situation, to how to shoot a jump shot with the precision of Larry Bird. He reveled in guiding his children into adulthood with his wise and unique perspective, wholeheartedly encouraging them to pursue their passions in any direction. He shared his gift for “hilarity” with them through Bill Murray and Steve Martin films, his knack for turning anyone into an imaginative character, and his talent for orchestrating moments at the dinner table that left them
laughing so hard they’d spit out their drinks. Bill beautifully crafted memories for his family everyday, whether it was casually sipping Twisted Teas on the front porch blaring reggae and country music or a methodically planned getaway to astounding locations like Alaska, Costa Rica, Niagara Falls, San Diego, San Antonio, Miami, Key West and so many more.

None of Bill’s incredible legacy would have been possible without the support and generosity of those who helped him and his family during his two kidney transplants and many hospital stays. Bill and his family are eternally grateful to his sister, Eileen, who donated a kidney to him for an experimental procedure and to his cousin Ed Flavin, who donated a kidney to him that allowed him twenty wonderful years of good health. Bill would be insistent to extend his permanent gratitude to the countless doctors, nurses and hospital staff of Mass General Hospital who he revered and bonded with; especially the Departments of Nephrology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, and the Transplant Center. The family deeply thanks Doctor Win Williams and Doctor Emily Bethea for their incredible care for Bill and their continued support.

Bill was born on February 27, 1964, bore witness to twelve Celtics championships, Series titles. Bill lived 60 fulfilling years and unexpectedly passed away January 13, 2025. As well as being the beloved husband of Michelle and loving father of Colleen and Stephen, Bill held many other roles and responsibilities close to his heart. Brother of Eileen (Andrews) Enos and Scott Andrews. Son-in-law of Clare Burns and the late Steve Burns. Brother-in-law of Cathy (Meile) Andrews, Bryan Enos, Matthew Burns, and the late Trish (Curtin) Burns. Uncle of Scott Andrews Jr., Jason and Aaron Burns, Matthew and Caitlyn Enos. He was predeceased by his parents William Andrews Sr. and Eileen (Driscoll) Andrews. Bill’s life was touched by countless family members, friends, co-workers, medical professionals, servers, and even strangers, just as he left a profound impact on them. His co-workers, who became his second family, forged deep bonds with him over 34 years at State Street and 4 years at CVS, bringing him joy, purpose, and lasting connections. As one of his heroes, Bob Marley, once said, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Bill embodied this truth every day of his life.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday, January 19, 1PM - 4 PM at the Hamel-Lydon Funeral Home, 650 Hancock St., Quincy. Funeral Mass at 10:30AM Monday, January 20th at Divine Mercy Parish/St. Mary's Church, 115 Crescent Street, Quincy.

Out of respect for Bill’s wishes and at the strong suggestion of his family, rather than flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the PKD Foundation, PO Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187 or pkdcure.org/give to help continue Bill’s relentless fight against the disease.