William Andrew McGurk

William Andrew McGurk, 53, passed away Tuesday, March 21, in Vallejo, CA, due to complications from diabetes. The youngest of nine children of Donald Farrell McGurk and Virginia Frances Cain McGurk, he was born in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended St. Thomas More Elementary School and St. Laurence High School. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in economics. He worked at the Chicago Board of Trade, then for an options firm in New York City before joining Dime Investment Securities Bank in Manhattan. After moving to California, he worked for Washington Mutual Bank and Union Bank of California. He later became an independent financial adviser working with his friend Everest Wong, CFP. During his time in New Jersey, Andrew found a lifelong circle of friends who shared homemade spaghetti dinners, nights out at pubs and restaurants, and summers sharing quarters at the New Jersey shore. In California, he continued to forge new friendships with his abundant wit, curiosity and willingness to lend a hand. In February 1998, he met Lori Jacobs (McGurk) in Manhattan; it was a day that changed the course of their lives. A year later, Andrew moved to California, where he shared a home with Lori and her daughter Courtney Jacobs. Andrew and Lori welcomed their first daughter, Morgan Virginia, in 1999, and their second, Emma Elizabeth, in 2003. In 2005, Andrew underwent a kidney-pancreas transplant required because of the toll taken by juvenile diabetes. He received a second pancreas transplant in 2011. Despite his health issues, Andrew was an attentive, affectionate father. Although he and Lori separated in 2010, he was dedicated to his daughters and was grateful to continue co-parenting them. He enjoyed coaching the girls' soccer teams and watching them play. He always encouraged his girls to follow their passions and try new activities, including martial arts, dance classes, music, band, art, cooking, and more. He enjoyed family outings, spending time with friends, backyard grilling, watching movies, reading, playing with the family dogs and staying in touch with friends and family. He was an avid sports fan, particularly when it came to the Chicago White Sox and Bears. Andrew is survived by his many loyal friends and the family who loved him to the fullest. In addition to Morgan, Emma and Lori, he is survived by his brother, James A. (Peg) McGurk, and his sisters Margaret McGurk, Jeanette McGurk Murray, and Mary Bridgette McGurk, as well as 11 nieces and nephews and four grand nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held 11a.m., Saturday, April 22, at St. Dominic's Church, 475 E. I Street, Benicia, CA. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org), or Donate Life America (www.donatelife.net).

William Andrew McGurk

July 7, 1963 - March 21, 2017