John Anderson

John T. “Jake” Andersen, 20, of 390 Hayward Street, died March 18, 2007 in Boston, MA as a result of injuries sustained from an automobile accident.

Jake was born in Manchester on August 12, 1986, the son of Catherine (Spain) Andersen and Thomas Andersen and had been a lifelong resident of the city. He attended Memorial High School and was currently employed by Tom’s Moving Service. He was an avid sports fan and was a phenomenal baseball pitcher when he played for Central Little League and the Manchester Pony and Colt Leagues. Jake also played baseball in several adult leagues.

Family members include his mother of Manchester, his father of Manchester; three sisters, Meghan Andersen, Kelly Andersen and Erin Andersen, all of Manchester; his maternal grandparents, Michael and Marie (St. Onge) Spain of Manchester; his paternal grandparents, Terence and Rosemary (Kelly) Andersen of Hooksett; his maternal great grandmother, Mary (Devine) Spain of Portsmouth; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

In His Life: Jake was a kindhearted, handsome and entertaining young man. His quick wit and good nature won him the affection and loyalty of many lifelong friends. He had a large and loving family that he always put first. Jake was never afraid to express his love for his sisters, and they, in turn, would do anything for him. His nine cousins, although most much younger, idolized him; and at 6’6”, they physically looked up to him as well. Although Jake was always surrounded by good friends, his very best friend was his mother. They had a special relationship that was so much more than just mother and son. Jake more than loved his mom, he liked her as well. Jake’s father was an important person in his life. By coaching his little league team, he helped Jake to become an exceptional athlete who excelled at both baseball and basketball. Jake is also survived by five adoring aunts, Anne Spain Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Spain Foss, Linda Andersen Monaco, Dawna Spain and Cheri Spain; and five wonderful uncles, Michael Spain, Padraic Spain, Liam Spain, John Foss and Steve Monaco. His nine devoted cousins are Lily Foss, Emmett Foss, Henry Foss, Cormac Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Spain, Michael Spain, Emily Spain, Patrick Spain and Isabelle Spain.

A memorial gathering will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street on Friday from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 in Blessed Sacrament Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Little League, c/o Sally Dreckmann, 12 Crowley Street, Manchester, NH 03013. For more information or to view an on-line memorial, go to www.phaneuf.net