Gordon Catto Andrew

Gordon Catto Andrew, 87, a long-time West Hartford resident, died on June 11, 2012, at St. Mary Home, where he had served as the first lay administrator from 1967 to 1989. The middle son of Dorothy (Gordon) and George Catto Andrew of New Deer, Scotland, Gordon was born in Springfield, MA, in 1925, graduated from Manchester High School, and served in the Naval Air Corps in both WWII and the Korean War as tail gunner on a PB4Y Liberator. His courage in the armed services was recognized by the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Naval Air Medal with a cluster of gold stars. He married Marie (nee) Callahan in 1947, and they raised four children: Linda Starr of West Hartford; Gordon G. Andrew of Califon, NJ; Joan Luddy of West Hartford; Richard J. Andrew of Ellicott City, MD. He held an undergraduate degree from the University of Hartford, and an advanced degree from the Hartford Graduate Center. Prior to his role at St. Mary Home, he worked as a carpenter, then as a hospital inspector for the State of Connecticut, eventually serving as Chief of Health Facilities Construction for the state’s Department of Health. In that capacity, he supervised construction of the UConn Health Center in Farmington. A convert to Catholicism, Gordon was a faithful parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and later at the Church of St. Helena, where he consistently strove to be first to arrive at mass, first out of the parking lot, and louder than the choir. For several years, he served as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for Pack / Troop 103 at St. Thomas the Apostle, and spent many summers with his troop at Lake of Isles Boy Scout Reservation. He was given the Silver Beaver and Bronze Pelican Awards in recognition of his long-term service to Scouting, and was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. A devoted sailboater, he spent weekends and vacations aboard his Bon Accord at Bayreuther Boat Yard – graciously endured by his land-loving wife, Marie – and for a time served as Commodore of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Following Marie’s passing in 1982, Gordon married Mary Joan Manion, who died in 1997. He loved yappy miniature schnauzers, cheap cigars and singing Harry Lauder songs on any occasion. A self-taught golfer, he valued pace of play over shot-making or score, and often chased his putts to the hole to ensure their direction. In his final years, Gordon lived at Middlewoods of Farmington, where his life was enriched by the friendship of Frances McGuire, who the Andrew Family thanks for her kindness and devotion. He was predeceased by his two brothers Leslie and Douglas. In addition to his four children, he leaves 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Calling hours are Monday (June 18, 2012) evening at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford from 4-7 p.m. Friends also are invited to join the Andrew Family at the celebration of Gordon's funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Burial with full military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery. On line expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com