Tarnell, Andrew Christopher of Westwood passed away on April 27th, after a heroic two year battle with cancer. Andrew was 59 years of age, but he would have proudly said he lived into his 60th year.
Andrew is survived by his beloved wife Laurie, for whom he would have lassoed the moon, and his three wonderful children: Julia of Boston, Philip of Denver, CO and William of Nashville, TN. Andrew is also survived by his five immensely supportive siblings, Monica of Red Bank, NJ, Stephen of Hope Valley, RI, Alexa of Fair Haven, NJ, Tony of Medfield, and Connie of Dover, and was a superlative and adoring uncle to a host of devoted nieces and nephews.
Andrew was born and raised in Montclair, NJ, where he attended Montclair Academy. In 1978 he graduated from Georgetown University with Bachelors Degrees in English and Government. Ever the scholar, Andrew earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1984. He went on to lead Tarnell Company of Providence, RI for three decades as president and co-owner. Andrew was an avid cyclist (a 6 time Pan Mass Challenge rider), a determined coach, and an enthusiastic skier. He remains the exemplar of a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. His unique and perfect mix of humor, generosity, compassion and warmth will live on with us always.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham on Thursday, April 30th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Andrew’s life and the love he shared with all of us, will be held on Friday, May 1st at Saint Susanna’s Parish, Dedham at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andrew’s honor may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge team honoring his life - Team ACT, Rider TA0099, www.pmc.org/TA0099.