Barry McAndrew

Barry McAndrew, age 85, of Erie, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Born in Scranton, PA, in 1940, he was the son of Frank and Mary McAndrew.
Barry graduated from the University of Scranton and Niagara University before moving to Erie in 1964 to join the English faculty at Mercyhurst College. There, he specialized in the works of William Shakespeare and dedicated over four decades to teaching. In 2005, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Mercyhurst University, recognizing his 40 years of continuous service-the first lay faculty member to achieve such distinction in the college's history. In 1996, Barry was honored with Mercyhurst's "Teaching Excellence Award." His colleagues described him as "the quintessential professor and the faculty member all should aspire to emulate." He was also a beloved figure on campus during the holiday season, playing the role of Santa Claus and reading Christmas stories to children.
An avid supporter of Mercyhurst athletics, Barry served for many years as the announcer for the Lakers' football and basketball teams and was widely known as "the voice of Mercyhurst." His contributions were recognized with his 2014 induction into the Mercyhurst Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2019, the university dedicated the football stadium press box as the "P. Barry McAndrew Press Box" in his honor.
Outside of academia, Barry had a lifelong passion for the performing arts. For over 30 years, he was a vibrant part of the Erie theater community. He was best known for his roles as the Knave Toby in the Canterbury Feasts, Sam in Snake-Eyed Sam's Saloon dinner theatre, and most notably, his 1998 portrayal of King Lear-a performance he considered the crowning achievement of his acting career.
Barry was preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years, Elaine McAndrew; his second wife of 5 years, Kristine McAndrew; his parents, Frank and Mary McAndrew; stepmother, Helen McAndrew; his brother, Jack Howell; and his nephew Scott Eshelman.
He is survived by his two sisters, Paula Eshelman and Karen Kuchinski; his sons, Marc (Michelle) and Brian, both proud Mercyhurst graduates; his beloved grandchildren, Jacob and Rachel (Marc), and Collin and Lauren (Brian); his five great-grandchildren; and his nieces/nephews – Kelly Kuchinski, Jack Kuchinski and Todd Eshelman. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored their "Grandpa" and were deeply proud of him.
Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Friday, August 8th, from 3 to 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 9th, at 11 am at Christ the King Chapel at Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barry's memory to Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Condolences may be sent via www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.