Obituaries

TJ Andrew, WBBM Reporter, Winnetka Native, Died Wednesday

Andrew's brother, Phillip, was shot during Laurie Dann's shooting spree in Winnetka.

Thomas James “TJ” Andrew, 53, died on Wednesday. Andrew was WBBM-AM's traffic reporter for more than 30 years, according to Chicago Radioland and Media. He was a Winnetka native and his brother, Phillip, was one of the victims of Laurie Dann’s 1988 shooting spree in Winnetka.

On May 20, 1988, Dann went on a violent spree that included arsenic-laced Rice Krispies treats,  three pistols, a can of gasoline and a firebomb.

The Glencoe native killed an 8-year-old and wounded five other children at Winnetka's Hubbard Woods Elementary. She threw a firebomb into Ravinia Elementary School, which fizzled out before harming anyone.

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Dann also shot Phillip Andrew in the chest, in his home, before turning a gun on herself and committing suicide. Phillip Andrew survived.

Below is TJ Andrew’s obituary, courtesy of Donnellan Funeral Home:

Find out what's happening in Winnetka-Glencoewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Thomas James “TJ” Andrew passed away on October 30, 2013 at the age of 53. TJ was an outgoing, big hearted man with an equally big personality. TJ loved to make people laugh and spread joy with his witty sense of humor. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Ann Andrew nee Wolf. He is survived by his daughter Sinead Frances, granddaughter Veda Maureen, father Raymond, brothers William, Phillip, Daniel, Michael and sisters Catherine and Patricia, many nieces, nephews as well as countless friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday Nov. 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1077 Tower Rd. in Winnetka.


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