Andrew Power

Andrew J. Power, 87

Worcester - Andrew J. Power, 87, "a scholar and a gentleman," passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, as always, on his own terms. Andy was born in the Main South section of Worcester and lived in the neighborhood his entire life. He was the first-born of five children of Rose (Debs) and Andrew Power, and the sun rose and set on their son, Andy.

As the grandchild of Syrian immigrants on one side and Irish-Americans on the other, Andy's birth bridged both families' prejudices - all of the grandparents wanted to meet their grandson, so his parents were "forgiven" for marrying outside of their communities.

Andy was a lifelong member and a lector at Our Lady of the Angels, a member of the Educational Association of Worcester, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Local 243 Laborer's Union, and a 64-year member of the YMCA. He also served in the National Guard at the age of 14 after his friend forged his father's signature to enlist.

A product of, and ardent believer in, the Worcester Public School System, after attending South High, he graduated from Holy Cross and received a Master's Degree from Worcester State College.

After a brief stint at AT&T, Andy enjoyed a long career as an English teacher, department head, and assistant principal at South High. Prior to that, he taught at Lake Street School in Spencer and North High in Worcester.

Andy loved "the kids" at school and was able to see past tough exteriors and be their advocate. Former students he ran into recalled how they had admired and respected him, even if they were not on the best terms "back in the day." One thought so highly of him that he had his own name legally changed to "Andy."

In addition to teaching, to provide for his family and make sure there was money for extras, Andy worked as a laborer, stock broker, night school teacher, painter, roofer, and doing "odd jobs for little old ladies." He believed in the dignity of all work and was a "working man's scholar" who believed in the power of education and being well-informed.

A lifelong Progressive Democrat who "never punched a Republican ticket," many of his oldest and best friends were Republicans. Reading two newspapers, watching the news, and never missing "60 Minutes," he was always the one with "the scoop" on current events.

Andy was an exercise nut - jogging before it was popular, running races, and taking marathon walks, runs, and bike rides, often dragging along his wife or kids (sometimes willingly, sometimes not). He also took them sledding and ice skating and enjoyed hunting trips with friends, and later, with their sons. He always had a vegetable garden and a cornfield, tended apple trees and made cider, and cut rhubarb for his wife's famous pies and squares. He loved family vacations at Wells Beach, Maine, resting up for the school year.

Spending time with family and friends was central to his life, even though he claimed to be a hermit. Andy will be remembered for laughing until he cried, his quick wit, his stubbornness, and for saying, "I'm never wrong."

Before losing his wife of fifty-nine years, Doris (Hesselton), in 2015, they traveled extensively, often on cruises with friends, throughout Europe, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Central America. On one of these trips, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of seeing a bullfight in Spain. They both were avid readers and encouraged the same in their kids and grandkids.

He leaves his children Helen Mary Power of Safety Harbor, FL, Katherine F. Power of Leicester, Thomas P. Power of Cherry Valley, Josephine A. Power of Kennebunkport, ME, and Margaret R. (Power) Weinstock of West Barnstable. He took great pleasure in the accomplishments of his grandchildren: Adam and Harry Cocker, Allison Power, and Charlie and Sophia Weinstock. He also leaves sisters Patricia Kostreba of Washington, DC, Kathleen Power (James Marochino) of Surprise, AZ, Carol McManus of Plympton, MA, and Rosemary Tarasiak (Ted) of Rutland, MA, as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous close friends, many since childhood.

Andy believed in himself and lived by his own code. Both mentally and physically tough, he never gave up, including at the end of his life. He died believing that he would get well enough to go home and did not "go gentle into that good night."

Family and friends are invited to a funeral Mass on Friday, June 25th, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Andy Power to The Teen Center, Central Community Branch YMCA, 766 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.

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