Robert McAndrews '32, a Devoted Member of Saint Mary's Community, Dies at Age 98

Robert McAndrews '32, who was in the first class at Saint Mary's College to go through all four years at its campus in Moraga, died on Aug. 24. Mr. McAndrews, who lived in Dana Point, was 98.

Mr. McAndrews, who was devoted to Saint Mary's throughout his life, edited the College's newspaper and was valedictorian at his graduation. Before and following graduation in the midst of the Great Depression, Bob worked for the College in various capacities, as teacher, debate coach and advance press contact for the "Galloping Gaels" football team coached by the legendary Slip Madigan.

On the 75th anniversary of his graduation, family and friends started the Robert and Adelina McAndrews Family Endowed Scholarship to honor Mr. McAndrews and his wife. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the McAndrews Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, Saint Mary's College, Post Office Box 4300, Moraga, CA, 94575.

"Bob is emblematic of the great Saint Mary's alumni," said Brother President Ronald Gallagher. "He was deeply involved as a student, edited the Collegian newspaper, and was valedictorian for his class. He remained faithful to and supportive of the College his entire life. It was my great pleasure to be acquainted with him for these past few years. And his legacy at Saint Mary's lives on in his children and grandchildren and in the support the family gives in his honor."

Mr. McAndrews had a long and distinguished career. He was a staff announcer at NBC Radio in San Francisco after College, and he later moved into sales and marketing with NBC. In 1940, he became promotion manager for NBC Western Division and moved to Los Angeles, where he met his wife-to-be Adelina Ciabarri. They married in 1943.

Mr. McAndrews served during World War II in the Army Air Corps in 1942, remaining until the war ended as a major in Washington D.C., handling public information and press matters. After the war, he and Adelina returned to Los Angeles, and Mr. McAndrews returned to NBC. He later worked in trade associations and was general manager of radio station KBIG and its affiliates, and then worked for the California Savings and Loan League, retiring as senior vice president in 1983.

Throughout his career, Mr. McAndrews was active in public service, charitable and religious organizations. He was president of the Hollywood Advertising Club, the Hollywood Radio and Television Executives, the Southern California Association of Broadcasters and was a long-time member of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.

Mr. McAndrews is survived by his wife, Adelina; his son Peter '65 (and wife Alicia); Peter's sons Rob (and wife Gina) and Tobin; his son Michael '68 (and wife Eileen), Michael's children Jeff (and partner Kevin Feeley), Tim (and wife Suzanne) and their sons Tim and Michael; Amy McAndrews Walters (and husband Rob) and their sons Charlie and Ben; and Caroline; and his daughter Julie McAndrews Mork (and husband John), and their children Kyle and Alison.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Dana Point, with a reception to follow.