Dr. Patrick J. McAndrew

1945 - 2014

Dr. Patrick J. McAndrew, 69, Pleasant Mount, died Wednesday morning at home surrounded by his family and friends after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. His loving wife of 40 years is the former Toni Siock.

Born June 14, 1945, in Anniston, Ala., he was the son of the late Dr. Lorain and Ruth Kennedy McAndrew. He graduated from Forest City High School and completed his pre-med program at Villanova University. He earned his degree of Doctor of Osteopathy from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1971. Over the years, he was president of the medical staff at Marian Community Hospital and Farview State Hospital. He was the Forest City Area Distinguished Citizen of 2000.

Dr. McAndrew began practicing medicine in the area 42 years ago at the McAndrew Family Health Center in Vandling. The McAndrew Family Health Center's name recognizes the legacy of providing quality healthcare to the community for more than 60 years of collective service by Dr. Pat; his brother, the late Dr. Richard; and his father, the late Dr. Lorain, who established the practice in the 1930s. After his father's death, Dr. Pat began the solo practice of medicine in Vandling on Jan. 15, 1973.

Dr. McAndrew spent much of his career affiliated with Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale where he served in various leadership roles, including medical staff president and chief of medicine. His practice joined Wayne Memorial Health Centers in 2012. He planned to continue serving the medical needs of the community for many more years until suffering a number of medical issues over the past years. He was just honored on Dec. 4, by his friends, colleagues and the community, for his lifetime of dedicated service.

Pat enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of North Fork Hunting Club. He liked to navigate his pontoon boat and spend time at Bigelow Lake. He especially enjoyed the company of his "Grand-da," Kierra, who was his little angel.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Frank Moro, who shared his talents and friendship during a difficult time, including incorporating the lost art of house calls, and to Stacie Kriznoski, sister of Toni, who assisted with the comfort and care of Pat so he could remain at home until his passing as he wanted. Also, blessings go out to Mary Ellen Kelly, R.N., nursing school classmate, who exhibited professional expertise, kindness and humor during her many home visits, and to Lois Mallick, R.N., who is the best friend anyone could have.

Also surviving are a son, Ryan Patrick McAndrew, Pleasant Mount; a daughter, Marhia Kennedy McAndrew, Womelsdorf; a granddaughter, Kierra McAndrew Scalzo; a sister, Cathy Walker and husband, Paul; a brother, John McAndrew and companion, Mary Lou; an aunt, Laneta Fries; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Richard McAndrew.

The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at noon at St. James Church, Pleasant Mount. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Viewing will be Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main St., Forest City. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you purchase a gift for a nursing home resident or bring a non perishable food item to the funeral home to be donated to a local food pantry in Doc's name.

For additional information, visit www.lesjackfuneralhome.com.