Andrew Maciey died unexpectedly on November, 20 2010 after losing his battle with Familial Cardiomyopathy. He was 24 years old. Andrew was a graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School and the University of Maryland. He left behind a lasting legacy to the friends and family who knew him best.
My Thoughts
Andrew embodied a friend that you wanted to have around and have in your corner. He had many interests, many hobbies, was extremely intelligent and ambitious, and it was always great to be around him. Andrew was not an optimist by nature -- he had a genuine way about him, so that what you saw was what you got -- no ulterior motives. He passed away way too young, and if he were still with us he would undoubtedly be doing great things in this world. He is and will continue to be missed.
Erik Fischer
Letter to Andrew
Our Andrew,
From early childhood Andrew was special. Always loving, caring, and considerate. He didn't take long to become a young man, both a gentleman and a gentle man. I was so proud that he chose me to be his godfather for his confirmation. Thinking back to the day he passed away and all the hardships and sorrow we all faced, I wrote a letter to God asking why? That night it came to me as an EPIPHANY that in fact God NEEDED A PERFECT GENTLEMAN and called him to heaven.
Andrew pray for us,
Uncle Joe Maciey, Jr.
Remembering Andrew
What comes to mind when I think about Andrew Maciey? Cousin, Friend, Brother, Family, Loving, Caring, Compassionate, and someone who would do anything for you. As Andrews cousin I was given the opportunity to grow up, work, laugh, love, and enjoy spending time with one another for 24 wonderful years. Andrew was a great person to so many people and touched the lives of many more on so many levels. Not a day goes by he is not sincerely missed by all who had the chance to meet him. I Love you Andrew Maciey ! For your beloved Philadelphia Eagles... E. A. G. L. E. S. EAGLES!!!!!
Joe Maciey, III
Andrew's Sense of Humor
Andrew was one of a kind. It has been five years since we lost our friend, and not a day goes by without me thinking about him. I think about the sporting events we would have attended together, the weddings we would have celebrated together, the rounds of golf we would have played, and the good times we would have shared. What I miss most about my friend is his unique sense of humor. In October of 2010, Mace planned my 25th birthday. With my birthday being on Halloween, Andrew told me that he was going to be hosting a costume party in my honor. The last thing I wanted was to dress up like a moron and go out. Andrew spent the entire week ahead of the party convincing me that everyone was going to dress up and it was going to be a great time. Andrew even said that he has 4 Smurf costumes that he would be wearing all day with his co-workers, so all I would have to do is so up with the costume on. I was assured that Andrew would be dressed up in the bright blue and white outfit as well. On the night of the party, I put the full Smurf costume on, got in the car, and went over to the Andrew’s apartment for the party. When I open the door to the apartment I am greeted with a loud, “SURPRISE.” Nobody else is wearing a costume, and I am dressed up like a complete idiot. Andrew and I locked eyes, and he gave me a smile that said, “gotcha.” Since I was not wearing anything under the Smurf outfit I was stuck wearing the full costume the entire night. I vowed that I would pull off an even better prank on him to get my revenge. Andrew passed away three weeks later, and I never got that opportunity. Andrew’s legacy lives on inside of me, and I hope that he is proud of how I live my life.
Frank Grzelak
Saying Good-Bye to a Brother
Andrew Joseph Sebastian Maciey was the definition of a Delta Chi.
I realized that was the case less than a week after he passed away. I was in a West Chester, PA bar with 50 of my brothers, celebrating Mace’s life. I looked to the left and saw alumni who were five years older than me. I looked to my right and saw guys who were still undergrads. Mace was one of the few brothers who could have brought together so many people under one roof. He was our chapter’s Sergeant in Arms, and he never was shy about telling us how we were screwing up. He was the Associate Member Chair of one of the most impressive pledge classes of my three years as a brother.
I always considered Mace one of my best friends. The truth is he probably had 30 best friends. Being friends with him wasn’t easy. He demanded loyalty, because that’s what he gave you. You’d have to be ready to get in an argument as well, because he’d argue with you at the drop of a hat. Godfather I or Godfather II? Mace was partial to the sequel. Avon or Stringer? Mace thought Stringer was a punk. Boston or Baltimore? Neither. Mace wanted to see both white trash cities burn to the ground. That’s what made my friendship with Mace so unique, because I embodied so many qualities he could simply not stand. I was from Boston. I had no fashion sense. I was goofy-looking. I rocked glasses. Mace even had a personal nickname for me: “Melvin.”
But from the moment we began pledging, we clicked. We considered our pledge class, Alpha Xi, the tightest pledge class in the fraternity. Mace, Barry Sobel, David Lenter, Eli Tucker and myself were as close-knit of a group as you could find. Most of my favorite memories of college revolved around Alpha Xi, and Mace was right in the middle of all of them.
The last time I saw Mace was on Memorial Day Weekend. We met up at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach and reminisced on old times. We attempted to meet up the next day in Ocean City, but we couldn’t get on the same page. He sent me pictures from Seacrets to let me know he was doing just fine. He was supposed to travel up to Boston a week before he passed away. Of course, he waited until the last minute to cancel, saying he didn’t have the funds. You couldn’t get mad at him though. It’s who he was.
Not a day has gone by since Mace’s death where I haven’t thought about him. I’ve obviously thought about the many memories we had together. But recently I’ve been thinking about the memories we won’t have together. Our weddings. The births of our children. The Delta Chi Homecomings and Alumni Weekends. And that’s what is tragic about this whole affair. Mace was just beginning to start the next phase of his life. He got a new job which he was excelling at. He was living with some of his best friends from high school. He was active socially (not a shock regardless of his employment). The fact that he was taken away from us in such a perplexing manner is something I will never understand.
Rest in peace Mace. You and your unique ways will never be forgotten.
Dan Igo
My Brother
Andrew never missed an opportunity to be a great friend. As long-time Fraternity Brothers, I never met somebody who embraced the idea of brotherhood like he did -- compassionate, passionate, supportive, selfless -- these qualities were natural in him. Andrew was a trusting advisor to me when I needed advice and an active proponent for me when I needed encouragement. The memories we made together and the lessons he taught me will last forever. I love you and miss you Andrew.
Eli Tucker
What Andrew Meant to Me
Andrew and I were pledge brothers together in the Fall of 2008. Andrew made it a point to often tell me that he never has met an individual quite like myself, touche. We both had a deep rooted love for our sports teams, especially the NFL...the only problem was he was an Eagles fan and I am a Giants fan. What I loved most, was his passion and energy when watching his teams play, despite their poor performances. This was truly a testament to his character. Andrew would have done anything for his friends and was someone you could always count on to be there in your corner. There’s surely still a piece of Andrew that lives on with us each and every day.