Andrew J. Mcelaney

McElaney, Andrew J., 96, retired District Fire Chief, Boston Fire Department, of Quincy and South Harwich, formerly of Dorchester and Charlestown. Passed away peacefully on December 9, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. Devoted husband of Margaret C. (Barry) having just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 12. Beloved father of Marie K. & husband John C. Linz of Bedford, Nancy M. & husband John E. Joyce of Wellesley, and Andrew J. McElaney, Jr.& wife Kathleen A., of Hingham. Survived by his sister, Rita K. McPhee of Hingham. Brother of the late Joseph F. McElaney, and the late Mary A. Driscoll. Cherished grandfather – “Mimi” – of Laura Boquist, Christine Macomber, MD, Lisa Duncan, Nancy Joyce, Kathleen Coney, Andrew J. McElaney, III, Kathleen, Michael, Elizabeth, and Matthew McElaney. Also lovingly survived by 13 great grandchildren, Caitlin, Sophie, Abby, Caroline, Henry, Nora, Matthew, Alex, Andrew, Michael, Theo, Julia and Trevor. Chief McElaney joined the Boston Fire Department in 1937 and became a District Chief in 1954. He was responsible for District 15, Hyde Park,until a Department reorganization brought him to BFD Headquarters where he was placed in charge of Firefighter Training. He was particularly proud of the Department’s Drill Team which performed annually on Boston Common during Fire Prevention Week and on “Romper Room” with Miss Jean. Later he was placed in charge of Fire Prevention and was involved in establishing new regulations for Boston hospitals after investigating the tragic Hartford, CT Hospital fire. Later he became Executive Assistant to Fire Commissioner William J. Fitzgerald, and served in that position until Chief McElaney retired on December 1, 1968. Funeral from the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy, on Monday, December 14 at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass. at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Sea Street, Quincy. Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting Hours Saturday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Donations in Chief McElaney’s name may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 227 Sea Street, Quincy, MA 02169, or to Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown, MA 02471.