Dr. Andrew J. Packer, 74, of Hartford, formerly of West Hartford, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Peggy Drew. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he was the son of the late Meyer and Ada (Corliss) Packer. Andrew was a 1972 graduate of Princeton University, with a degree in Chemistry and a 1976 graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was a proud member of the Princeton crew team and maintained strong ties to the Princeton community.
After graduating medical school at Columbia, Andrew completed an ophthalmology residency at Mass Eye and Ear Harvard School of Medicine and a vitreoretinal fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was on academic faculty at the University of Iowa, and then recruited to be on faculty at LSU. He was the president of the American Society of Retina Specialists, president of the Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians, and a recipient of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Life Achievement Award. After moving to Connecticut in 1988, he continued his career as a vitreoretinal surgeon in private practice at Consulting Ophthalmologists and Retina Consultants. Andrew was dedicated to his calling as a physician. He established genuinely caring and close relationships with his patients, and maintained concern for them into retirement.
Andrew loved outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, kayaking, and sharing his passions with Peggy. His numerous pursuits led to completing the Pan-Mass Challenge on several occasions. He was dedicated to his family, friends, and service to his community. His long-term membership to Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford included serving as a Board Member for many years and co-chair of the Social Justice Committee.
Andrew was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle. His priority in life was to give to those that he cared for. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, two sons: Dr. Jonathan D. Packer and his wife, Dr. Eunsung Cho, and D. Jared Packer, his brother, Dr. Leslie Packer and his wife Dana, his sister, Laura Santarelli, five nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends. Andrew maintained a close friendship with his ex-wife, Kathi Packer.
A funeral will be held on Friday in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, with Rabbi Andi Fliegel officiating, at 9:30am at 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT. Interment will follow at the Beth Israel Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon, CT. Following interment, the family will receive friends back at the synagogue for shiva and a meal of condolence.
On Saturday, the family will be receiving friends at Andrew and Peggy’s home beginning at 2pm. For those observing the sabbath, shiva will resume after 5:15pm.
Donations in Andrew’s memory may be made to CurePSP and to the Packer Family Endowment Fund at Congregation Beth Israel.
The family expresses a heartfelt appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Pansy Homecare Service and Jewish Family Services.
May Andrew’s memory be a source of strength and a blessing.
Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc., West Hartford.
