Andrew R. Gustafson

Andrew R. Gustafson
Active at Townsend Congregational Church

TOWNSEND -- Andrew R. Gustafson, 60, of Townsend, died Thursday, May 22, 2014, at at his residence.

Andy was born in Ware, MA, November 1, 1953 and was the son of the late Leonard and Shirley (Lawrence) Gustafson. He resided in West Brookfield, Worcester, and Ashby before moving to Townsend in 1978.

During his youth, he was a Boy Scout, member of the Massachusetts Chapter of DeMolay and earned his private pilot's license.

He graduated from Quaboag Regional High School in 1971, received his bachelor's degree from Worcester State College in 1975, and continued his love of learning at Boston College Law School where he received his jurist doctorate in 1978.

As a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association he engaged in the general practice of law, established Hope Adoptions, an open adoption agency, and later focused on guardianship and child care and protection services for the state. For the past ten years Andy worked as the Associate Conference Minister for Finance and Stewardship Development for the Massachusetts Conference of The United Church of Christ in Framingham. He loved the work, his colleagues and the many people in churches across the state that he interacted with.

Andy was a very active member in the Townsend Congregational Church, having been moderator, member of the governing council, and serving on several boards including the Committee for World Ministries. One could always find him washing dishes after a church supper. He and Carole were also members of the Townsend Community Couples Club for many years. In addition to the love he showered upon his family and friends, Andy loved to read, play card and board games, camp (especially along the Saco River in North Conway, NH), kayak, cross country ski, read to his granddaughter Avari and cheer on the Red Sox and New England Patriots. Last year he and Carole were fortunate to embark on a cross country road trip visiting friends, relatives, national parks and scenic sites along the way. He leaves a legacy that will be difficult to emulate. He had a hearty laugh, a warm and welcoming smile, a keen and reflective mind and kind words for everyone. He was the light in the darkness.

He leaves his wife of 25 years, Carole Seaver (Jordan) Gustafson; two daughters, Laura Ashley Gustafson, Holly Elizabeth Ann Gustafson, both of Townsend; a brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Shelley Gustafson of South Hadley; a sister, Karen Gustafson of Stuart, FL; a grandchild, Avari Senneville of Townsend; a nephew and several nieces; as well as Beth Morgan Williams, Christy Morgan Bryant and William Morgan, Jr., siblings of his first wife, Priscilla.

In 1987, he was predeceased by his first wife, Priscilla (Morgan) Gustafson, his son, William A. Gustafson and his daughter, Abigail M. Gustafson.

GUSTAFSON -- A celebration of Andy's life will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at the Townsend Congregational Church, 3 Brookline Street, Townsend. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, in the Fellowship Hall of the Townsend Congregational Church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Townsend Congregational Church, Attn: Gustafson Memorial, PO Box 487, Townsend, MA 01469 or to the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, Attn: Annual Appeal, 1 Badger Rd., Framingham, MA 01702.