Andrew James ENGELWARD

ENGELWARD, Andrew James PhD Beloved husband, father, teacher, and colleague, died unexpectedly, on December 8, 2025, at the age of 59. His life was defined by curiosity, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others understand the world more clearly.

Born on June 27, 1966, Andy possessed an extraordinary love of ideas and a rare ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and warmth. A cherished member of the Harvard University community since 1996, he was a founding director of the Mathematics for Teaching graduate degree program at the Harvard Extension School, where he taught thousands of teachers and influenced countless classrooms nationwide. He directed dozens of master's theses and was widely admired for making mathematics feel intuitive and enjoyable.

As Assistant Dean of Academic Programs at the Extension School, Andy oversaw fourteen graduate programs while remaining deeply committed to students, taking time for individual meetings and leading with integrity, kindness, and humility. He earned nearly perfect teaching ratings for more than 25 years, reflecting both his brilliance and the deep respect he inspired.

Andy earned his PhD in mathematics from Harvard University and was also an accomplished musician, athlete, and gifted builder. He shared 36 years of partnership with his wife, Bevin; and was a devoted father to his sons, Rowan and Taran.

He is survived by his wife, sons, parents, sisters, and a vast community of students and colleagues. His legacy endures in the lives he touched through teaching, generosity, and love.

There will be a Funeral Service on Wednesday, December 17, at 1:00pm, at the First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Rd., Lexington, MA.