Joseph J. McAndrew

Cheshire – Joseph McAndrew, 82, of Cheshire, beloved husband of Carol (Follo) McAndrew, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 12, 2025. Joseph was born on July 9, 1943, in New Haven, the son of the late James and Catherine McAndrew.

Joseph’s love of golf began at age 10, growing up in a home that bordered the ninth tee at Alling Memorial Golf Course. In those early days, he would hop over the fence to play holes two through eight, then hop back home—long before he ever paid for a round. He often played 36 holes or more in a single day, practicing with remarkable focus and scientific precision. His dedication paid off, and he went on to win the club championship four or five years in a row. Everyone at the club knew Joe McAndrew, and that early passion set the stage for a lifetime devoted to the game.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School, Joseph proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, where he shared his love of golf by teaching the game to his fellow soldiers.

Upon returning home, Joseph pursued his dream as a PGA Professional, dedicating his career to teaching and inspiring generations of golfers. He served at distinguished clubs including Woburn Country Club in Massachusetts, Glastonbury Country Club, Oak Lane Country Club, and Manchester Country Club. Known for his patience, expertise, and encouragement, he left a lasting mark on the game and on countless lives. He was also a proud member of The Farms Country Club in Wallingford, where he enjoyed both the game and the friendships that came with it.

In addition to his career in golf, Joseph was an entrepreneur at heart. For 25 years, he was the proud President and Owner of Alpine Ski and Sports. He created the state’s largest ski sale event, renting out the entire Jai-Alai facility in Milford for a weekend—a tradition that became a community favorite and a tremendous success. During those years, Joseph and his wife Carol lived part-time in Palm Desert, California—truly a golfer’s paradise—eventually making it their full-time home after moving on from the ski business. After 30 years there, they returned to Connecticut to help care for their three youngest grandchildren, a role that brought them great happiness and purpose.

Joseph was a lover of life who never took himself too seriously. Outgoing, extraordinary, and unbelievably funny, he navigated the world with intoxicating wit and humor—always lighthearted, never mean-spirited, and delivered in a way that left everyone grateful to have shared in it. Often known as “Big Joe” for his larger-than-life personality, he had a natural ability to bring people together. Though he never sought the spotlight, he was a leader simply because those around him wanted him to be.

He adored his eight grandchildren, who were his greatest joy. He never missed an opportunity to tell his oldest granddaughters how beautiful they were, and he beamed with pride over his only grandson, calling him the most talented music producer and admiring how hard he worked to achieve his goals. In his later years, some of his happiest moments were spent singing and dancing on his daughter’s deck with his three youngest grandchildren, filling those days with laughter, music, and love.

In addition to his devoted wife Carol of 58 years, Joseph leaves behind his children, Michelle McAndrew Nash of Cheshire and husband Justin; and Joseph McAndrew Jr. and wife Andrea of Cheshire; and his beloved grandchildren Emily McAndrew, Jake Procanik, Sophie McAndrew, Jami Procanik, Sarah McAndrew, and his three youngest grandchildren. He also leaves his loving brother, James McAndrew of West Hartford, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire, CT. A Funeral Service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PGA HOPE, a program close to Joseph’s heart that introduces golf to veterans and inspires healing through the game he loved by clicking HERE.