Andrew Todd

Whitinsville--Andrew Todd, Jr. passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at his cherished home in Whitinsville on Sunday, April 1.

Born to Andrew and Margaret (Caldwell) Todd in Jamaica Plain, MA on November 18, 1931, Andrew is predeceased by his siblings Nancy, James and Catherine.

Andrew received his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He reflected on his years there as magical. A lifelong U of M Wolverines fan, he described the air on Saturdays during the fall in Ann Arbor as electric while preparing for Michigan football victories (Go Blue!). He was then stationed at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center at Fort Holabird in Baltimore, MD. Cited for his “character, superior military bearing and appearance,” he was selected to serve as a member of the Post Honor Guard for military funerals, in addition to his daily responsibilities. He went on to earn his M.A. at Boston University. A lifelong learner with a deep respect for the pursuit of knowledge, Andrew furthered his studies in the field of education at several schools.

He moved to Whitinsville in 1957 to begin his career as an educator, teaching a variety of subjects at Northbridge Jr-Sr. High School before taking on the role of assistant principal. Over the span of 36 years, Andrew was respected as a fair and positive role model for several generations of students and their families. Many cited the importance of Mr. T’s affirmative influence on their lives; some became extended members of the Todd family. Outside of his dedication to his students and colleagues, Andrew relished taking care of his yard, reading and, most importantly, time with his family.  

Andrew leaves behind his wife, Rose (Bedrosian). They met during his very first year in Whitinsville and fast became soul mates. Theirs was an extraordinary 60 year partnership guided by deep love and genuine mutual respect. Andrew and Rose complemented one another perfectly. Where there was one, there’d be the other; a union balanced by commitment, grace and humor. A father who led by example, he also leaves his sons, Andrew III (Diane) of Barrington, RI and David (Pamala) of Hopkinton, MA. Known as Bata, he will forever hold a special space in the hearts of his four adoring grandchildren, Andrew of Arlington, VA, Catherine of Somerville, MA, and Christopher and Sarah of Hopkinton, MA.

Consistent with his wishes, a private memorial service is being held by family members to celebrate the uncomplicated joy Andrew brought to their lives. For those who would like to remember his warmth and kindness, his family suggests donations in Andrew’s name be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA,  02130,  Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr.,  Tampa, FL,  33607,  or to the MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Todd, please visit our floral store.