Joseph E. Andrews

Joseph Edwin Andrews, 83, of Ambler, PA, passed away on October 23, 2025 at Abington Jefferson Hospital after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Nina M. (Greco) Andrews, they were married 51 years. Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 8, 1942 to the late Charles and Florence (Hall) Andrews. Raised in South Philadelphia, he attended Edward W. Bok Technical School and was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He honorably served our country from 1963-65 with Co. C 122nd Signal Battalion, 3rd US Army, and held rank of Private First Class. After his service Joe completed his high school requirements and served 4 more years in the Army Reserves. He found work as a Stevedore on the Philadelphia waterfront docks for a few years and later worked as a Chemical Operator for Rhone Poulenc Chemical Co. later known as AmChem, Publickers Chemical Co., and Merck Pharmaceuticals, until his retirement.
In his younger days, having a love for South Philly and entertaining, Joe was a Mummer in the Murray Comic Club for some time. He was an avid runner, did weightlifting to keep fit, and enjoyed gardening. He took joy in the simple things in life such as long walks in the Wissahickon Valley Park and Peace Valley Park, trips to the New Jersey shore, deep sea fishing and walking the boardwalk. He enjoyed occasional trips to the casino trying his luck on the slots and in blackjack. Music by John Denver and Andre Boccelli and classic movies with John Wayne and Marlon Brandow were amongst his favorites. He loved making family memories and sharing good times together.
In addition to his wife Nina, Joe is survived by his daughter Joanna Andrews Craney (Cedric Edwards), his grandchildren Isabelle Brice, Olyvia Andrews, Lillian Craney and Greyson Edwards, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters Estella Lillian Andrews and Elaina Marie Andrews, his brothers William "Billy" Andrews and half siblings Eunice "Emma" Senick, Florence, Martin, Hannah and Lillian Mills.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing from 9:00-10:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Ave., Ambler, PA 19002. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Norristown. Memorial donations in Joe's memory can be sent to St. Anthony of Padua Church.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.