ANDREW M. MCAULIFFE Jr.

McAULIFFE , Andrew M. Jr. Of Newton, formerly of Wellesley, passed away, January 14, 2024, at the age of 95. "Andy" was born in Boston to Andrew M. McAuliffe, Sr. and Josephine (Cauley) McAuliffe on January 13, 1929. Andy grew up in West Roxbury, Massachusetts and graduated from St. Sebastian's School in 1948. Andy excelled at athletics and still holds the school record for most varsity letters in a high school career (14), playing every season of football, hockey and baseball and two years of basketball during his high school career. St. Sebastian's provided the foundation for Andy's faith, the importance of family and the basis of his many dear and lifelong friendships. Andy attended Bates College in Maine as a varsity baseball recruit. He found his passion on the pitching mound, once striking out 21 batters in a single game, and played every summer as a heavily recruited pitcher. After graduating from Bates in 1952, Andy was signed by the Boston Braves and eventually traded to the Baltimore Orioles. In the midst of his budding baseball career, Andy pivoted to serve as a First Lieutenant Pilot in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, stationed in Pensacola Naval Air Base on the gulf coast of Florida and then served at the Old Navy Yard in Charlestown. After an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps, Andy reported to Spring Training to play baseball for the Orioles organization in the Midwest. During a break in the season, Andy attended a wedding in Boston, where he met Claire O'Connell. "Love at First Sight" indeed. The couple soon married at St. Cecelia Roman Catholic Church in Boston in August of 1956. Andy and Claire initially lived in Westwood, MA for several years, and then settled in Newton, where they raised six children, Andrew, III (Bridget), John (Lana), Lawrence (d.1991), Ted (Anne), Joanmarie Lee (Rich) and Paul (MaryFrancis). He is the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren, Lisa, Andrew, IV, Edward, Zachary, Justin, Oliver, Paul, Jack, Sarah, Rory, Carmen, Samuel, Simon, Michael, Stephanie & Thomas. Andy was proud of his family and adored his grandchildren. Andy had a long career in sales in the Boston and Newton area. He also served as Chairman of the Board for AD-Vantage, Inc. of Newton for 32 years until his passing. Andy volunteered for many years coaching little league and youth hockey in Newton. He was a member of Woodland Golf Club for more than 55 years, where he served multiple terms on the Board of Directors and was voted an Honorary member at age 90. He was a founding member of the "Olivers" musical and social organization. Andy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Claire; his son, Lawrence; his two sisters, Joan McAuliffe and Marie Roberts (Paul); and his brother, Lawrence McAuliffe whose wife, Marilyn, currently resides in Saratoga Springs, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 20, in St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley. Visiting Hours are 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, January 19, at The Burke Funeral Home, 56 Washington Street, WELLESLEY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Andy to St. Sebastian's School to create and fund a future scholarship, by visiting https://www.stsebs.org/support/ways-to-give or the Alzheimer's Foundation in memory of his beloved wife Claire:, www.alz.org Henry J. Burke & Sons BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com