Andrew W. Dahl

Andrew Wilbur Dahl (Andy) age 81, died suddenly after a brief illness on November 30, 2024 in Naples Florida. This charismatic, gregarious and fun-loving man shared his love of life, passion for innovation/strategy, history and anything "nautical" with his family and friends in a way that will be enduring for all who knew him.
He married his life partner and the love of his life, Jan, 59 years ago and they retired together to Naples, Florida, and North Falmouth, Massachusetts. They loved sharing travel adventures with their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends, and Andy never missed an opportunity to tell a story or two or a few more.
Andy was born in New York City February 19, 1943, the son of the late Wilbur Andrew Dahl and Margaret Victoria Levin Dahl. Raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Andy was a graduate of North High School (1961). He earned advanced degrees at Clark University (B.S. 1968), Cornell University (Master of Public Administration 1970) and Johns Hopkins University (Doctor of Science 1974). Always competitive, he swam for the Worcester Sea Lions and rowed on Clark's varsity crew team. In addition, Andy was an Eagle Scout and a lifelong advocate for scouting. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at Clark University.
A navy veteran, he served in Germany for two years, 1965-1967, an experience which may have spurred his love of history and exploration. Andy was a frequent traveler to exotic places. In 2020, he fulfilled his personal ambition to visit all seven continents and in 2024 to circumnavigate the globe.
As a leader and pioneer in the healthcare industry for 55 years, Andy had a significant impact on healthcare management, finance, and technology. He was a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and served as executive, consultant, and educator for established hospital systems, health management businesses and healthcare startups. His vast list of colleagues and "Friends of Andy" contacts is unparalleled and his "storytelling" could light up a room. His impact on innovation and professionalism in the industry has been profound and will continue to guide both the colleagues he mentored and the students he advised during and after his 12 years as an Executive in Residence and lecturer at Cornell University. His brand of leadership, continuous improvement, and technology innovation has been spread far and wide by his students, mentees, colleagues and friends who now lead the industry.
Career opportunities led Andy, Jan and the family to move frequently throughout the Northeast and Midwest before finally settling happily in North Falmouth and Naples. Throughout these many changes, Andy maintained a focus on his family, his community, and his faith. He and Jan lovingly created a stable and nurturing environment for the girls and their families as they grew, and vacations were always an adventure fueled by Andy's imagination and enthusiasm. He lent his organizing and innovation skills to benefit civic organizations as well as educational and industry groups and the neighborhood Methodist church.
In addition to his loving wife, Janice Olive White Dahl, Andy is also survived by his three daughters, Kristina Dahl Adler (Darrell) of Stamford Connecticut; Jennifer Dahl Gallagher (Timothy) of New Canaan, Connecticut, and Meredith Dahl Fishburn (Andrew) of Cabin John, Maryland. A proud grandfather, he was "Grandan" to Derek Andrew Adler, Peter Kenneth Adler, Gordon Axel Gallagher, Olive Jane Gallagher, Tenley Dahl Fishburn, and Phoebe Dahl Fishburn. He leaves his sisters, Elaine Dahl Minore of Guilford; Connecticut, Kristina Dahl Osborn (Stephen), of Simsbury, Connecticut; and Victoria Dahl Vickers (Cameron) of Clinton, Connecticut, as well as his brother-in-law, Rodney White of Holden, Massachusetts and many cousins, nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Paul S. Minore, Sr.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 270 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA. The family will receive friends at Chapman Funeral Home, 584 W. Falmouth Highway, West Falmouth, MA on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ann's Fund at John Wesley United Methodist Church or to The American Cancer Society.