Andrew W. “Andy” Mitrusi, age 71, of North Weymouth, died suddenly at home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Andy was born on July 19, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Istanbul. In 1956, when Andy was just two years old, anti-Christian riots broke out, and his family made the difficult decision to flee. In 1957, they relocated to Brussels, Belgium, where they lived for four years before immigrating to the United States in 1961, first settling in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1963, the family moved to Brookline, where Andy was raised.

Andy’s mother was of Armenian descent and his father Albanian – a heritage that reflected a history of resilience, faith, and perseverance. The experience of rebuilding life in a new country shaped the thoughtful and introspective man he would become.

He graduated from Brookline High School and went on to earn a degree in Economics from Bowdoin College. Intelligent and analytical, Andy carried a lifelong interest in economic thought and public policy.

In 1981, Andy moved to San Francisco, drawn by its openness, beauty, and the opportunity to live more freely as a gay man. He loved the city deeply, especially its temperate climate, often remarking how much he disliked the cold New England winters. San Francisco represented hope and possibility to him, and he always held onto the dream that he might one day live there permanently. After a period of difficulty finding work, he returned to Boston, making the cross-country journey on a “hippie bus,” a story he later recounted with humor.

In 1989, Andy accepted a position in Washington, D.C., working alongside his longtime friend Larry Lindsey as a Deputy Economist during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. In 1991, he served as Special Assistant when Lindsey was nominated to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Andy returned to San Francisco again in 1997, working on the Stanford campus with the National Bureau of Economic Research, before eventually returning to Boston to remain close to his family. He continued his work with the National Bureau of Economic Research until his early retirement in 2001.

Though accomplished professionally, Andy’s greatest pride was his family. He shared a profound bond with his beloved sister, Christina, and held deep admiration for his nephew, Christopher – especially his drive in business, dedication to school, and passion for music. He quietly celebrated the achievements of those he loved.

Andy found peace in nature. He loved the woods, birdwatching, and the ocean. He enjoyed long walks at Wompatuck State Park, Webb Memorial State Park, and Nantasket Beach. Throughout his life, he enjoyed bicycling — along the Charles River in his younger years and later throughout the South Shore.

He also had a deep love for movies and reading and could often be found spending time at the Hingham Public Library. Andy was also a creative and thoughtful artist who enjoyed working with unique and unconventional media, expressing his perspective and creativity through his art.

Andy lived a sensitive and introspective life and faced longstanding struggles with depression. He benefited greatly from the compassionate care of dedicated mental health professionals over the years, whose support helped him navigate life with dignity and stability.

Andy is survived by his nephew, Christopher T. Maher and his partner, Evan Burks; his grandnephew, Patrick Maher and Patrick’s wife, Haley Maher; and extended relatives and friends who cared for him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, Perikli and Lusi (Ozhekim) Mitrusi; his sister, Christina M. Mitrusi Maher; his brother-in-law, Francis T. “Tom” Maher, Sr.; his nephew, Francis T. Maher, Jr.; and Francis’s wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Maher.

Andy will be remembered for his intellect, quiet wit, depth, and enduring love for his family. His life reflected both courage and complexity, and he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, loyalty, and love. May he now find the peace that he so often sought in nature, books, art, and the quiet places he loved.

For those who wish, donations in Andy’s memory may be made to The Trevor Project, 2261 Market Street, Suite 5164, San Francisco, CA 94114-1612.