With great sadness, we share that our dear Andy Holiner died at his home on October 6, 2023.

For the past several years, Andy suffered from an illness which defied diagnosis and treatment, and which took a toll on his physical and mental health. Andy's creative, loving, and goofy personality was overwhelmed by fatigue, chronic pain, and depression. His beloved partner, Annie, along with many others, worked tirelessly to bring him optimism and healing. His loved ones hope that his experience will contribute to future medical advances, suicide prevention, and resources for death with dignity, and will bring peace and healing to others facing similar circumstances.

Andy was born to Sylvia and Harry Holiner on September 6, 1947. He was raised in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, on a street which ended at the ocean. He loved playing baseball with the kids on the block—people with whom he kept in touch throughout his life. He took piano lessons and formed a band with his best friends, the Manhattan Beach Boys, playing at parties and local functions.

Andy attended Ohio State University, initially studying Political Science, but changed his major to Education in an attempt to avoid the draft. Unfortunately, his draft card number was 6, so he spent a few years in Barcelona, allegedly attending medical school, but actually playing music.

After returning to the United States, Andy briefly dated a woman who gave birth to their son, Furthur. Andy lived in San Francisco and Alaska while trying to stay involved with Furthur, ultimately without success. From there, he moved to Boston to study piano and composition at Berklee College of Music; he also performed locally on guitar as a singer-songwriter.

When Furthur was 12, Andy learned his location in Tennessee, and they reconnected. Andy could never make up for his absence in Furthur’s early life; since that time, however, they remained in each others’ lives. Fortunately, Furthur became the best of his mother and Andy, and became a committed father to his own daughter, Savannah, who in turn, has become the best of her parents. Furthur and Savannah both carry within them Andy’s positivity, thirst for adventure, boundless energy, and charisma.

When Andy was around 40, he met the singer Alice Johnson, who was his musical partner for over 25 years. He was inspired by the joy of African pop music and began writing music for more instruments. Soon after, they formed Wildest Dreams, the Boston-based worldbeat band, performing over 1,000 gigs throughout New England and beyond. Throughout Wildest Dreams’ years together, their world-class musical personnel from different nations created a palpable synergy that energized audiences of all ages.

Andy met his love, Annie, at the start of the millennium, at a party where he was performing. They dated on and off for several years before Annie moved to the Massachusetts Pioneer Valley, and Andy joined her soon after. They bought a home in Amherst in 2007, and were married in 2008. They spent their honeymoon in Guatemala, renewing deep connections there. Andy commuted to work in Boston for many years, eventually shifting to work in local schools in Western Massachusetts. They shared a goofy sense of humor, and their home was always filled with laughter.

Andy’s artistry as a musician and educator was as boundless as the joy and love he poured into those he cherished.  His belief in the accessibility of music to all people was the cornerstone of his life’s work. With the skills of an accomplished musician and the spirit of an explorer, he taught through sharing and modeling, rather than relying solely on traditional instruction. He incorporated movement and writing into music education, inspiring creativity in everyone he met. He developed strong roots in the Massachusetts communities where he lived, while also embarking on his own journeys of discovery in Ghana and other places throughout the world. His commitment to social justice, collaboration and cooperation united people from all walks of life.

Andy obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Ohio State University, studying Spanish and Mexican culture at Universidad de Las Americas. Later, he earned a Master of Education in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. He played numerous instruments, including piano and keyboards, guitar, and percussion. He taught private lessons to children and adults, including those with developmental and learning challenges.

Andy delighted audiences as a guest performer on two Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episodes. He founded the World Music ensemble Wildest Dreams with Alice Johnson. With Alice, he also developed educational concerts such as Celebrating Diversity and Black History Through Music. He won numerous awards, including First Place at the Nashville Music City Song Festival, and was a three-time nominee at the Boston Music Awards. He performed at the United Nations World Conference for Sustainable Agriculture, and produced Wildest Dreams CDs One Voice and Peace Planet.

Andy co-founded the Jamaica Plain Arts Council, and helped create the Jamaica Plain Firehouse Multicultural Art Center. He taught in many schools and programs, including: Brookline Children’s Center, Charles River School, Boston College Campus School, Hollow Reed Children’s Center, Mission Hill School, Taft Middle School, Ohrenberger Community School, Runkle Elementary School, Amherst Public Schools, the Adaptive Music Program at Community Music School in Springfield, and the Behavioral Health Network Rec Program. He worked with VSA Massachusetts (now Open Door Arts) and was on the touring roster of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. He taught professional development and higher education at Boston Association for the Education of Young Children, the Massachusetts Department of Education, and the Showa Institute.

A VSA (now Open Door Arts) tribute to Andy highlighted the way he reached people: “The minute Andy walks in through the door and begins strumming his guitar, students’ faces light up and smiles abound. He cares passionately about each and every student he works with and takes the time to let them know. Andy teaches with contagious gusto, care, and commitment—excitement that inspires those who are fortunate to work with him.” 

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Harry Holiner. In addition to his wife, Annie, Andy's surviving family includes his son, Furthur Holiner (Gretchen Hollars), and granddaughter, Savannah Hall; sister Joy Haupt; niece Julie Haupt (Tim Marr), great-niece Alissa Marr, great-nephew Devin Marr (Kristin Marr), great-great-nieces Ava and Mila; niece Leslie Haupt (Brent Vinson) and nephew Eric Haupt (Jennifer Haupt), great-nephews Justin and Drew; father-in-law Charlie Philips; brother-in-law David Philips (Harriet Jahr-Philips), niece and nephew, Hannah and Nate Philips; brother-in-law Brian Philips (Susan Stewart) and niece Allie Philips, in addition to extended family and friends in New York and Massachusetts. Andy’s generosity and loyal, loving spirit sustained friendships of many decades, across miles and life transitions.

Please share memories of Andy on this site. They will help others remember his beauty, and work through the grief. 

If you would like to make a gift in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Community Music School of Springfield or the Innocence Project, which you can easily access by clicking on the Give button.

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