Andrew Weinstein

An unforgettable friend. A truly great man in every way. My memories of Andy still brighten my days and bring me happiness. We were all so fortunate to have his ebullient goodness and incomparable character in our lives.

Written on Christmas Eve here in Vienna, ME, just moments after I learned of Andy's passing from Carolyn Peelle, a dear friend of Andy and Melinda:

No! Say it isn't so. I had no idea. No one contacted me. I had not heard from him for such a long time that I suspected something might have gone awry. I knew he was facing some battles but he shared little of the specifics over the years for he was always so genuinely interested in the welfare of others, a dedicated physician to the end.
I am so sad to hear that news. What a beautiful, joyful, brilliant, graceful, life-embracing man he was. I will find and read his obituary. I will contact Melinda directly and through the memorial website she and the girls established. That will be a difficult email to composefor I wish I could have known and somehow been there for him in a supportive, albeit unavoidably distant way, but just in a geographic sense. And I will remember him fondly forever, for however long I have remaining, as a terrific friend and caring medical professional and doubles partner back at Mama Swats (Swarthmore College), six long but fleeting decades ago. No matter what challenges we Van Tils faced over the last half century, Andy was always there with a compassionate word and his peerless medical advice, offered with that inimitable manner of friendly competence and genuine humility.
So many great recollections pop into mind of their trips up to see you Hap at Christmas Cove and my visits to their gorgeous vacation home in Owls Head or to join them at seafood restaurants in Damariscotta or wherever. The tennis or conversation or attacks on boiled lobster were always punctuated by Andy’s infectious laugh. With forearms like Popeye and a chiseled jaw, Andy seemed immortal.
I recall when Mike O’Donnell and I had a chance to go out with them on their lovely sailing craft, the Melinda Lu, on a perfect summer day with a fresh northwesterly breeze zipping across Penobscot Bay, the boat surging through the swells and reaching almost to Vinalhaven before zigging and zagging back to Rockland. I believe that was the first and only time in my life I had ever been on a real sailboat of any class. Andy as captain was so proud to share his nautical knowledge and skills with us all as we cut an exhilarating swath through the chop.
And there was the time that you and Hap built a scale model of the dream home you designed and were determined to build for real, where you now live on that glorious meadow in South Amherst, and placed it on Andy and Melinda's dining room table, on the perch overlooking Owls Head Bay and Sheep Island. Andy delighted in your excitement and made his characteristically wry suggestions and observations on the imaginative architecture. As great an allergist and serious researcher as he surely was, perhaps his most extraordinary quality was that sparkling personality with the playful glint in his eye. He always listened. He always cared. He derived so much pleasure from the health and happiness of all the people in his full and meaningful life.

Thanks for sharing this terrible news. All losses of lifelong friends are painful. The loss of Andy leaves quite a crater in my life and in countless others as well, compensated only by the mountain of soaring recollections of magical times long ago.
Roy Van Til, Swarthmore class of 1966, Vienna ME

I grew up in Philadelphia and spent many nights in the hospital for asthma. When I was 10 years old, my parents sent me to AI Dupont Hospital in Delaware, and I spent 3-5 weeks under the care of Dr. Weinstein. He was the first physician to manage my asthma well, and get me on a proper daily routine. From that point on I was only admitted to the hospital 1 more time in my life for asthma. I continued to see Dr Weinstein regularly for years during my teens and early 20s before finally being asthma free. I returned though in my 30s and began seeing him again due to occasional asthma flare-ups. It was at this time that I really learned to appreciate all he had done for me as a child. He was a great physician, and man, and I will forever be grateful that he saved my life. So sorry to hear of his passing.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Weinsteins passing. He was a wonderful man & doctor who put patients first & cared deeply! He will be missed!

Melinda, Abbey, and Robyn, I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Weinstein family, You are in our thoughts and hearts at this time of loss. Our sincere condolences, Judge Kovner's Chambers

Hi Melinda! I was sorry to hear about Dr W. It was a pleasure to know him! Hoping he is at peace. Mary Hannon

so sorry for your loss andrew was a patient of ours at the manahawkin labcorp he will truly be missed

Always gracious, always so quick with a pun or twist to a story. Tenacious.

I always loved Andy's sense of humor love for his family, and sense of adventure. His devotion to family and his passion for healing was like no other. He devoted countless hours preparing to give just another talk to convince the medical field one must treat the whole family and not just the patient. I don't know if the medical field got the message but Andy never gave up advocating for change. He will be missed though leaves a legacy to continue forever. Rest in peace Andy.❤

Abbey, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved dad. Sending my deepest condolences to you, your mom, your sister, all the grandchildren and to all those who loved your dad. He is forever in your heart. All the best, Lori Holliday Banks

I haven't had the pleasure of reacquainting with Andy for many years. But I remember him with such clarity and fondness, especially his calming presence and acute sense of humor. Melinda, Abbey and Robyn, I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you, too, find joy and comfort in your memories of Andy. He will be missed by many.

I am so sorry to hear this news. Hugs and peace to you all.