Andrew R. "Andy" Gilman's Obituary
Andrew R. “Andy” Gilman, of Somerset, MA, passed away on his 61st birthday on April 14th, 2024, after a battle with ALS.
Andy was born on April 14th,1963 in Boston, MA. He was raised by his beloved parents, the late Ralph Webster Gilman Jr. and Norma (Furneaux) Gilman of Methuen, MA. He grew up as an only child yet had a large circle of cousins and friends. After graduating from Methuen High School in 1981, Andy attended the University of Bridgeport in Waterbury, CT and studied Music.
During his early years, Andy was a skier and enjoyed playing other sports including street hockey with neighborhood friends. Andy was a renaissance man whose interests took him many places in his life.
Andy loved music and found his passion in playing the drums which led to a successful and highly respected career on the road working as a Drum Technician and later as a band Crew Chief. He was a master of his craft and had the privilege to work with many bands such as Jon Butcher Axis and Aerosmith. During his career with Aerosmith, lead singer Steven Tyler dubbed Andy, “The Prince of Methuen” reinforcing his close relationship to his hometown. Author Mark Rodgers picked an expert on the subject of living out of a suitcase and featured Andy in a chapter named, “Road Warrior” in his book entitled, “Guardian Of The Gods: An Inside Look at the Dangerous Business of Music”. Andy continued with his love for music and was the drummer in his own bands; Lesser Gods and Powderburnt. Andy was fortunate to see much of the world through his life in the music industry.
Following decades in music, Andy decided to follow another life passion with his love of motorcycles and specifically, Harley-Davidson, by working for numerous New England dealerships in Sales. In the last chapter of his life, Andy wanted to define his own work week, and opened his own business, SG Smoke Shop in Somerset, MA.
Andy loved his family and worked hard to provide for his children. He held his friendships close to his heart and had a way of making each encounter memorable, making a positive impact on many people’s lives, no matter where he was. Andy had an incredibly selfless, generous, and loyal nature. He had a great smile that lit up the room and an equally quick-witted sense of humor. He was strong and fiercely independent, and he would be the first to offer his assistance to anyone. Andy was more than willing to share life experiences such as concerts and NASCAR races. He loved spending time on his Harley-Davidson, hanging out at Cady’s Tavern in Chepachet, RI, and at his business and home in Somerset, MA.
Later in life, Andy was fortunate to find his birth mother, Josephine CE Taylor of Bluffton, SC, whom he spoke to daily from the time they met in 2015, and three half siblings; sister, Kristin A. Taylor of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, brother, Todd P. Taylor of Charlottesville, VA and sister, Kim Taylor of Coronado, CA, as well as the children of Kristin A. Taylor; Max Chang of San Diego, CA, Brenna F. Chang of Long Beach, CA, Macy F. Chang of Oakland, CA and Viveka H. Chang of Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
Andy dearly loved and was extremely proud of his children, Alexander A. (Alex) Gilman and his spouse Molly E. (Salzmann) Gilman of Hurley, NY and their son, Andy’s adored grandson, Jack, Samantha M. (Gilman) Tenhagen and her spouse Ted A. Tenhagen of Methuen, MA, and Brianna M. Diamond of Palm Coast, FL.
Andy is also survived by his cousins and countless friends that were family to him. He has left a lasting impression on many lives and to have shared a piece of this life with him is truly something special.
Donations can be made in honor of Andrew R. Gilman to a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life is being planned.
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