Deceased April 24, 2023
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IN MEMORY
Joseph L. “Joel” Andrews Jr. died, surrounded by family, on April 24, 2023.
Joel was an ardent scholar and a student of life, full of knowledge of many different topics that he was eager to share with others. He was outgoing and engaging, persistent and tenacious, always questioning the status quo and figuring out how to overcome obstacles.
Joel’s Amherst education and friendships provided a strong foundation and were an incredible source of pride for him throughout his life. He stayed an active alumnus at events and Reunions and kept in touch with many of his classmates.
During his time at Amherst, Joel couldn’t decide whether to become a physician or a writer, so he pursued both. After graduating from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, he trained in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and cardiology at Boston City Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. He drew on his Amherst English major studies to fuel his avocation as a medical, history and travel writer. In addition to authoring numerous articles for periodicals and medical journals, Joel wrote and published two books about Revolutionary and literary Concord, Mass.
Joel practiced internal and pulmonary medicine for many years at Lahey Clinic in Boston and Burlington, Mass. He also founded and chaired the pulmonary section at New England Deaconess Hospital, conducted clinical research, and taught as an assistant clinical professor and lecturer in medicine at Harvard and Tufts Medical Schools.
Joel passionately explored the rich history of Concord, where he lived for more than 25 years. He was a founding director of a historical walking tour company in Concord that has hosted visitors from around the world.
Most importantly, Joel was a loving and supportive father to his three children and adored his five grandsons. He will be sorely missed.
Sara Andrews ’97