Eric J. Andrews, 79

Eric J. Andrews, 79, of Bridgewater, and Jamestown, Rhode Island, passed away on March 26, 2026, in Jamestown, Rhode Island. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle; a cherished family member to many; and a generous friend to all.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Lisa (née Malmquist) and David Andrews, he joined three older siblings, Judith, Barbara and David, who were nearly a generation ahead of him. He grew up in Middleborough and Lakeville, Massachusetts, and spent his early childhood in what was then known as British Guiana. In the summer of 2025, Eric and his fellow classmates celebrated their 60th Middleborough High School reunion and shared many happy memories and laughter.

Eric was a gifted musician and painter, loved sports, and was a passionate sailor. In his youth, he was a nationally recognized trombonist and sailed competitively in Rhode Island, and on Cape Cod. He studied business and visual arts in college and later served as a member of the United States Navy Band. After his service, he married the love of his life, Joanne "Jodi" Saunders, and entered the shoe business, moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he directed retail operations for Florsheim Shoes before starting his own venture, Turtle Shoes.

He went on to build a long career in the shoe industry as a marketing and sales executive and shoe designer, working for many of the leading names in American men's footwear. That career ultimately brought him back to New England, where he raised his family in New Hampshire, and Westborough, Massachusetts.

Eric was an incredible cook, threw unforgettable parties, told the best tall tales and the longest jokes, and loved spending winters with friends and family on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Each spring, he was eager to head north to plant his vegetable garden at his home on Newfound Lake. He had a rotating fleet of boats over the years to entertain all who visited, and his grandchildren loved his tractor-ride tours of the farm.

Eric had a fierce devotion to the people in his life, supporting friends and family in countless ways, volunteering and coaching youth sports, and freely sharing his experiences so others could learn from both his mistakes and his successes.

Eric is survived by his wife, Jodi; his daughter, Gavin (Lance Rachelefsky); his sons, Parker and Jonathan (Nicole); and his 10 grandchildren, Stellan and Elsa Rachelefsky, Jesper and Eliana Andrews, and Anthony, Eric, Tyler, Henry, Dorothy and Molly Andrews. His kindness, creativity, and love for family and friends live on in each of them, as does his faithful dog, Lily, who remains by his side in spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Judith, Barbara and David, as well as several nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Eric's life will be held in early summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.