Joseph Harrison "Harry" McAndrew

Stonington - Joseph Harrison McAndrew, 77, of High Ridge Drive in Stonington, passed into eternal life on Aug. 26, 2018, at the Westerly Hospital. He leaves his wife Nancy, and their daughter Nancy.

Harry was the oldest of 13 children born to Joseph L. and Amelia McAndrew. He was predeceased by his brother Michael, sister Paula, sister-in-law Jane Rock McAndrew (Patrick), and brother-in-law Paul Berman (Mary Susan).

Harry was a strong, determined individual whose word was his bond. His lifelong credo, "never, never, never give up," served him well during both his career and long illness.

He was a man of action, typified by his honorable service to his country overseas in the U.S. Military Police. He was proud to be an American representing the greatest country in the world in assisting, protecting and defending America.

These lessons in enforcement dovetailed seamlessly into his tenure with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Tactical Patrol Force (T.P.F.). This elite unit was comprised of tough, fearless police officers who climbed fire escapes, traversed roof tops and busted through doors during the civil unrest that plagued the 1960's. It was said that T.P.F. "ruled the night."

Harry went on to become a detective in Manhattan South and retired from the department having been the recipient of medals and citations for bravery and heroism, and was defined by the department as a "man who knew no fear, but was charitable to a fault."

He was an expert marksman (sniper) and instructor for the National Rifle Association. He held a Master's Degree in criminal justice and public administration from John Jay University, he was a member of Mensa and was a student of history with a solid background and understanding of World War II.

Following his long career in the NYPD, Harry started his own business, The Superior Cleaner, building and selling dry cleaning stores up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In later life, he was CEO of Wall Street Venture Capital in New York City.

Along with his wife and daughter, Harry leaves behind brothers, David (Jeanne), Thomas (Mary), Stephen (Judith), Peter (Kathy), Mark (Sandra), and Patrick; and sisters, Sharon, Amelia (Robert Green), Helen (John Paul Sheerar), and Mary Susan.

Harry McAndrew was a man of great courage, unwavering loyalty, and singular devotion to family and friends. "He was the master of his fate; he was the captain of his soul."

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Clare Church, 62 Crandall Ave., Westerly. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.