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Andrew James Belford

1949 - 2024

Andrew James Belford obituary, 1949-2024, Hobe Sound, FL

BORN

1949

DIED

2024

Andrew Belford Obituary

Belford - Andrew James. July 5, 1949 â€" February 6, 2024

The world is slightly flatter and less interesting without his brilliance. For his entire life, everyone always wanted to be with Andy. He kept everyone intrigued, informed, amused, and always wanting more. Born on July 5, 1949, Andy was the fourth son in a family of five children; his younger sister, Anne, the only daughter. Andy's mind was ever inquisitive about everything he experienced, always just ahead of everyone around him, hopping from one thing to another, extracting information and wisdom as he went - and sharing his unusual insights with slightly bemused family and friends. For one thing, we couldn't understand why he dragged us teenagers around Long Island, talking passionately about specific houses. After graduating from Bay Shore High School, Andy studied at The College of the Holy Cross, after which he taught grade school math and religion, while taking acting classes in New York City. The teachers, nuns, fellow acting students, and acting teachers were all captivated by Andy's ranging intellect, inquisitive energy, perspicacity on human behavior, and infectious humor. During this period where he performed in the play Waiting for Godot with David Morse, Andy's percipience drew him to the innovative enterprise of his good friend, Charles (Charlie) Modica who was about to turn the US medical establishment on its head by conceiving and developing an all-teaching medical school in the newly independent, English-speaking country of Grenada. Andy immediately saw the vision of this transcendent idea which would provide doctors to the US and dove in wholeheartedly, a passionate believer. The first Director of Admissions of St. George's University, Andy, due to his unshakeable belief in the idea, recruited a charter class of 200 students to a school that did not yet entirely physically exist, but whose outcomes Andy never doubted. Andy then threw the whole force of his intelligence, dedication, and creativity into helping Charlie Modica solve the myriad problems and roadblocks that arose to ensure the future of the medical school.

When the School seemed launched and stable, Andy returned to the passion of his adolescence and enrolled in Columbia School of Architecture. Realizing that he did not need the degree to bring his visionary architecture to life, he began a long and illustrious career as a designer and real estate developer. He designed and built homes in prestigious waterfront communities, especially Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound, where he lived, as well as Bridgetown, an ingenious community of 58 luxury town houses, designed around the concept of "rich people want to downsize, too" without losing luxury or privacy. Meanwhile, St. George's University embarked upon an ambitious campus building project and Andy returned. For over three decades, he led a team of architects and builders in the creation of a magnificent campus with over 65 neo-Georgian buildings. Faculty, administration, and students were all drawn to Andy's inimitable personality, always infused with humor. Whenever Andy was coming to Grenada, there was a palpable frisson across the entire campus, "Andy's coming!" It was a blow to everyone in his life when Andy developed Alzheimer's nine years ago. This brilliant mind was going to recede into itself. He has spent these years surrounded by devoted family and friends â€" and people from all over his eclectic life visited him in his self-designed, elegant home. To the very end, Andy dazzled us all with his quick intelligence, quirky humor, and kindness. Andy is survived by his beloved partner, Charles Crawford; his brothers, Paul A. Belford (Patricia) and Michael K. Belford (Donamarie); his sister, Anne Ryan (Edward); and sister-in-law, Mary Susan Belford. Andy was predeceased by his brother, John L. Belford, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Michaele Anne Belford, and his partner, Gary Wright. He is much loved by 14 nieces and nephews, and 30 of their children. He is also survived by his bonus daughter, Megan Artin, Gary's daughter; and by Charles and Lisa Modica, his lifelong friends who helped to shield and comfort him over the past years from the worst aspects of his disease. Surrounded by so many who loved him, he was never alone. The Belford family would like to thank Peggy Lambert for her lifelong friendship and this evocative homage to Andy's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Newsday on Feb. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Lindsay Murphy

February 21, 2024

My husband, Mark Murphy, had mixed feelings about his years at Holy Cross. However, he loved his group of intelligent, quick witted, highly entertaining and thoughtful friends. Andy was a standout in that group. Mark was grateful for his friendship.

Kathleen Bradley MD

February 18, 2024

Andy was director of admissions when I attended St. George's Univ SOM. He will not be forgotten by all of us who achieved our goal of becoming a doctor when the US system failed us. Cheers to Andy.

Ken and Lynda Dorio

February 15, 2024

We are so sorry for the loss of this incredible man. We have never met Andrew but knew him briefly through conversations with Dona and Mike. This beautiful obituary captured and shared his essence for which we are grateful. Ken and Lynda Dorio

Laura Griffin

February 14, 2024

I can see Andy in my mind´s eye with his quick smile and warm hello. He was always beautifully dressed with his crew neck sweater and his Brookes Brother shirt with his Bass weejuns and khakis. In summer his loafers were replaced with topsides. He always waved when he sailed by the Marina on the flying bridge of his dad´s boat. He was one of a kind. Sail on sweet Andy.

Barb Greck

February 13, 2024

As a classmate of Andy´s I´d like to send condolences to the family. He was loved and a great friend to so many. Prayers.

David Blyweiss Class of '82

February 12, 2024

It was my admissions interview with Andy in a NYC hotel room that changed my life. His vision of what SGUSOM would be, enraptured me. When I got my acceptance letter I was on the first plane to Grenada and fell in love with the reality of his dream...even the barracks in True Blue.

Peter Slinger

February 10, 2024

Andy was a great friend of Grenada. His creativity and bon homie paired well with our beautiful Isle of Spice. Rest well my friend. You created magic.

Malou Walther

February 10, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

john reilly

February 10, 2024

Everyone that came in contact with Andy, even if just briefly left with a smile. He could delicately open one's mind to see how things could and should be. I miss our chats and time spent effusing on the merits of our Huckins's while sitting on the Moira and dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. Andy just made us all better

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