Andrew R. Santimore

HOLDEN - Andrew R. Santimore, Sr., 95, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 in his home with family by his side. He was known over the years as Andy/Jake or Dad, but lovingly referred to as Pups in his later years.

With his passing, he joyfully reunites with his wife of 63 years Shirley A. (Boucher) Santimore, after almost 6 long years without her by his side. He leaves four children and their spouses (who he loved as his own), Renée Metterville and her husband William of Worcester, Aimée Albani and her husband David of Holden, Andrew, Jr. and his wife Karen of Windsor, Missouri and Jeffrey and his wife Donna of Worcester; his grandchildren, Danielle Azzariti and her husband Jonathan of Somerville, Emily Bostock and her husband Nicholas of Rutland, Johanna McEvoy and her husband Joseph of Worcester and Justin Albani of Branford, Connecticut; bonus granddaughter Alison Tully of Fall River; his four delightful great-grandchildren, Jacob and Adeline Bostock and Peggy and Frances McEvoy; his sister, Faith Kennedy of Auburn, and his sister-in-law Patricia Santimore of South Grafton. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Four brothers, Kenneth J. Santimore, Earl F. Santimore, Douglas A. Santimore, Clayton L. Santimore and six sisters, Doris B. Considine, Lucille J. Jacques, Blanche R. Lier, Jeannette Dion, Joan A. Nestle and Irene M. Sansoucy all predeceased him. 

Andy was born in Worcester, son of Fred R. and Alice B. (Bernier) Santimore and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School. He spent two years in the U.S. Army, Military Police. He then worked at Kennedy’s Department Store where he met his future wife. And lastly at the New England Envelope Company, where he worked for 40 years until he retired in 1995. 

He and Shirley spent most of their years together in Worcester, but the 13 years they spent at “camp” on Lake Whittemore in Spencer were some of the family’s best.  After Shirley’s passing, he was welcomed into the home of his daughter Aimée and son-in-law David in Holden, where they not only provided a loving home, but the care required for him to remain there during his final months.  

Andy will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to his family. Always the gentleman, he was a sharp dresser and a class act. His family will miss him dearly at the head of the table, leading us in grace before a family meal. We’re sure he’ll also be missed in the restaurants where he was a regular over the years, his lively banter and quick wit always making him a favorite among staff, even though he chided anyone who tried to clear his plate before he declared he was done.

His family is grateful to have had him in our lives for so long.  At his 95th birthday party he shared this sage advice with us, which we’ll share with you now, “I’m going to tell you a secret, if you want to live a long life, never stop breathing.” 

All are welcome to gather with Andrew’s family Tuesday, September 3rd from 9 am to 10:30 am at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Avenue, Worcester.  A Funeral Mass for Andrew will take place at 11 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester. He will then be laid to rest at Notre Dame Mausoleum in Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605, the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, or a charity of your choice.