Deacon Edward James Andrews, affectionately known as “Eddie,” peacefully passed away on April 18, 2012.

Eddie was born on July 21, 1924 in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. He was the oldest son of the late June and Hattie Andrews. He had two siblings, Rev. George C. Andrews, and Marie Teague, who preceded him in death.

He was educated in the Philadelphia School District, and graduated from Roxborough High School in 1942. After graduation, Eddie served his country in the United States Army from August 1943 until January 1946. After his discharge from the Army, Eddie worked at Weyerhaeuser Paper for forty years.

He was united in marriage to Annie Louise Benton on April 12, 1947. Their union was blessed with three children: Marjorie, James and Edward.

Eddie was a very generous man. He was always sending donations to various charities. He had a great sense of humor. When asked how he was doing, he always replied, “50-50.” He never complained, and was always concerned about others. Eddie enjoyed and was very proficient with word puzzles, board games, and his computer.

On June 4, 1989, he was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church by the late Archbishop Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua.   He served in that ministry at Most Precious Blood Church, with Father Victor Eschbach, Pastor; and after the consolidation of parishes, at Saint Martin de Porres Church, with Father James Farrant, Father Daniel Sullivan, Father Edward Hallinan and Father Stephen Thorne, Pastors.

Deacon Andrews was faithful in his duties. He served reverently every week at Sunday Mass. In addition, he drove the parish van to Doylestown weekly where he picked up frozen dinners for people of the parish. He also brought Communion to people who were homebound.

Deacon Andrews served on Parish Pastoral Council, and made himself available for many parish activities needing his assistance. He was the very embodiment of service and charity, which is the ministry of Deacon.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Annie Louise; children, Marjorie, James Edward and Edward Jerome; two daughters-in-law, Dolores and Roxanne; and five grandsons, David, James Eliot, Julian, Jordan and James Alvin. He also leaves two brothers-in-law, Rev. George L. Benton and Timothy V. Benton; and his very special nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.