Andrew Janover, 63, of Damariscotta, died peacefully Oct. 23 at home surrounded by those who loved him. Having survived thyroid cancer and three melanomas, he accepted death with dignity after 24 well-lived months of treatment for lung cancer. Andrew will be remembered for his wry wit, intelligence, indomitable spirit, amazing knowledge of trivia, powerful tennis serve and devotion to the N.Y. Giants football team. He whizzed through the New York Times crossword puzzle (in ink) every morning at breakfast.
Andrew was born and raised in New York City. He attended the Dalton and Riverdale Schools and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lake Forest College in Illinois. One of the few philosophy majors to be accepted at MIT, Andrew earned a master’s degree in business at the Sloan School of Management. He then worked as Vice-President of Operations for 20 years at his family’s food business, S. Gumpert Company in Jersey City. From there he became Vice-President of Operations at National Foods, Inc. and later Schreiber Foods International. Before retiring to Maine, Andrew was VP of operations for Joint Purchasing Corporation, a health care organization in New York City, NY.
Four years ago, after living in New York City and Ridgewood, N.J., Andrew and his wife Caroline moved to Damariscotta. Since then, Andrew has given generously to the local community. He became Chapter Chair of the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), assisting small businesses in the area. Other volunteer activities included work on the land steward committee at both the Damariscotta River Association and the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association. An ever-calm and resourceful board member, Andrew worked with the former Teen Center and Round Top Center for the Arts as well as the Salt Bay Chamberfest and the Central Lincoln County YMCA. He was a member of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club and felt proud to be part of this vibrant and caring community.
Andrew was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Justine (Stein) Janover of New York City, N.Y.
He is survived by Caroline, his inseparable companion and wife of 41 years; sons, Jamie of Boulder, Col., and Michael and wife Lucinda of San Francisco, Cal., (the first grandchild is due to be born on Dec. 16, Andrew’s birthday); sister, Nancy Victor of New York City, N.Y.; sisters-in-law, Ann MacLaughlin, Quita Davis, Maude Fish and husband Art; brothers-in-law, Sandy Davis and Lev Davis Jr. and wife Megan; father-in-law, Leverett Davis of Damariscotta and devoted mother-in-law, Dr. Caroline Murray of Bedford, Mass., and many nieces and nephews will remember their Uncle Andy for his sense of humor, generosity, and courageous optimism.
At Andrew’s request, there will be a party in his honor 4-6 p.m., Sat., Nov. 8 at the Mobius Community Center (319 Main St., Damariscotta). Andrew’s friends are invited to join his family for music, storytelling and laughter in celebration of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be sent to The Damariscotta River Association, P.O. Box 333, Damariscotta, ME 04543 or The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, 624 Sheepscot Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
