aNDy Matthews

Andrew James “aNDy” Matthews passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Born on April 7, 1976, Andy was the second of five children and the only boy. He grew up in the beautiful chaos that only a big family can bring, full of laughter and memories that would last a lifetime. Surrounded by four loving sisters, the Matthews children shared a strong sibling bond created by the foundation set by their parents, who built a family rooted in strength, support, and unconditional love.

Some of Andy’s greatest memories were made on Lake Erie with his dad, Capt. Mike, fishing for perch and walleye aboard the Sun Chaser. It wasn’t just about the fish — it was about being with his dad, learning from him, laughing with him, and making lasting memories.

If you knew Andy, you knew Notre Dame football was part of who he was. Fall Saturdays were sacred. He loved the tailgate, the energy, and especially the days he would arrive on campus and catch the first glimpse of the Golden Dome at University of Notre Dame. It was no surprise that Andy proposed to his wife, Nicki, on the 50-yard line at Notre Dame, bringing together his love for the Irish with the woman he loved. Andy and Nicki shared many special moments on campus with Alexis and Cole, and Notre Dame on gameday will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Andy loved his family more than anything. He is survived by his wife, Nicki, and his stepchildren, Alexis and Cole. He is also survived by his parents, Mike and Carol, who were always by his side; his sisters, Amie (Bill) McGee, Angie Jakob, April (Dan) Markiewitz, and Alissa (Chris) Hunt; ten nieces and nephews; and three great-nephews and one great-niece. He loved each of them. He supported. He listened. He encouraged. He led by example. To his nieces and nephews especially, he wasn’t just Uncle Andy — he was proof that strength isn’t loud; it’s lived.

Andy’s fight began early, when he was given only a small chance to survive. He proved them wrong and would continue to defy the knowledge of modern medicine. He later faced many other serious and chronic health challenges, but he never allowed a diagnosis to define him. He met every setback the same way he met everything else in life — with grit, determination, and a will to always fight, even when the odds said he couldn’t.

After a lifetime of one-percent odds, he didn’t just survive — he built a full life. He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School, attended University of Toledo, and spent more than 20 years working at Best Buy. He then married his wife, Nicki, and became a devoted stepfather to Alexis and Cole.

Andy’s strength was steady and consistent. It was the kind that made other people braver just by watching him live. He endured more than any one person should ever have to, and he did it without self-pity. He carried himself with courage, humor, and deep love for the people who stood beside him.

Andy’s life was never defined by illness — it was defined by how he rose above it. His strength didn’t just carry him; it strengthened everyone around him. He showed others what it looks like to endure without bitterness, to face impossible odds, and still stand tall.

He believed that as long as you have the love of your family and time together, life is worth living — and he lived that every single day. Andy was a man of perseverance and devotion. He was a man who kept choosing to fight for love and family, and in doing so, gave the rest of us the courage to do the same.

Friends and family will be received at Newcomer Funeral Home, West Sylvania Chapel, 3655 King Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43617, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 2:00 PM–8:00 PM, with a Sharing of Memories at 6:00 PM.