Andrew R. Parthum

Boston - When listening to a showtune, a song by Audra McDonald, or going to a Broadway show, think of Andrew Parthum. When you sip a glass of champagne, toasting life and friendships, think of Andrew Parthum.

When you appreciate the progress of LGBTQ people have made in Massachusetts over the years think of Andrew Parthum. When you think of the Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association and number of South End High School students who got a helping hand to attend college, think of Andrew Parthum.

Andrew found rest from his eight-year struggle with brain cancer on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. He died peacefully at his home on Washington Street in Boston's South End with his partner of 31 years, William (Bill) Leonard, at his side. He was 57. Andrew never complained about the surgeries or treatments he underwent over the years. His neuro-oncologist, Dr. David Reardon at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said Andrew "maintained an absolute remarkable resolve" and "never complained despite more than ample justification."

Andrew R. Parthum was born April 14, 1963 in Salem, a son of Marjorie (Hopkins) Parthum and the late Robert Parthum. Raised in Andover he was a graduate of Andover High School. A proud Boy Scout, he achieved his Eagle Scout status and years later could still fit into his uniform. He attended Clarkson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Professionally, Andrew worked as a Quality Assurance Engineer for many years until his illness made it impossible to do so.

Early on, Andrew championed the rights of LGBTQ people through his work with the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus and serving on its Board. He loved living in the South End and was an active member of the Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association, serving as its president and treasurer for many years. He enthusiastically volunteered for neighborhood cleanups, wreath sales, and the scholarship committee, one of his most important lasting legacies. Andrew, along with other Board members, wanted to find a way to give back to the neighborhood and created a fund to provide scholarships to neighborhood students going onto college or trade school. The first fundraiser was held in Andrew and Bill's home and a few years later the Association named one of the scholarships after him in recognition of his community service and volunteerism.

He and Bill loved to entertain at their home, with post-Pride Parade dinners and Halloween parties becoming signature events looked forward to by many, including many friends from Montreal. They spent time in Provincetown and traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. As Andrew's health declined and Covid intervened into our lives, they hunkered down with a few close friends here in Boston. These friends were incredibly helpful over the past few months and their generosity and kindness will never be forgotten. Blessed with many friendships, he was fortunate to have had some time with his best friend from high school, Robin (Reynolds) Starr, in his last few weeks. Andrew was a foodie to the extent he was an appreciative eater (as he would say). He was predictable as he was sweet: a corn muffin or oatmeal for breakfast started each day.

Andrew adored and was so very proud of his nephews, Sean and Colin McCarthy and would often boast of their accomplishments and appreciated them not just as nephews but as friends.

In addition to his partner, Bill, he leaves his mother, Marjorie Parthum of Chestnut Hill; siblings, John Parthum (Holly Popowski) of Greenwood Lake, New York and Elizabeth McCarthy (Paul) of Furlong, Pennsylvania; nephews Sean and Colin McCarthy; cousins, and a close-knit family of friends.

A service honoring Andrew's life will be held at a future date when we can gather without boundaries and restrictions.

Honor Andrew's memory with a contribution to the Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association, Scholarship Fund, B/FSNA Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 180940 Boston, MA 02118 (www.blackstonefranklin.org/scholarship or https://checkout.square.site/merchant/9ZC7VF3BVFS6J/checkout/5NOCHEU3OYBDGPHSXWIXZBCD?fbclid=IwAR3SfK23adMDflNKSEkfnXae04C3Fc68YEdnqy0MIFkWS4LzV0FEPm1UvRQ or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Neuro-Oncology Division, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. www.danafarber.org.

Rest easy, dear friend. You will be missed.

Arrangements by James D. Heald
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Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – a note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love, support and a verbal hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit to the funeral home should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance. Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.