Andrew B. Leiter

Andrew B. Leiter, M.D., PhD. of Wellesley passed away on January 19, 2025.  Devoted son of the late Sarah and Joseph Leiter. Beloved husband of Ellen (Webster) Leiter.  Devoted father of Alexandra Leiter of Wayland.  Loving grandfather of Beatrix Luce of Wayland.  Brother of Everett Leiter of New York City. 

Andrew developed an appreciation for the outdoors at an early age and enjoyed hiking, skiing and fishing throughout his life. He shared his love for the outdoors with his wife and daughter, and many family vacations included ski trips to beautiful mountains throughout the US and Europe.  He also treasured his time with family and friends at their home on Cape Cod, where he was able to find peace and solitude fishing on the many freshwater ponds in the area.

Andrew received an A.B. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to obtain a M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at University hospital, Boston University School of Medicine, and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tufts New England Medical Center, in Boston.  Following his fellowship, Andrew remained at Tufts New England Medical Center for 21 years, conducting scientific research and serving as an attending Gastroenterologist, as well as a Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Tufts University School of Medicine.  Andrew moved his research and academic medicine career to University of Massachusetts Medical School and University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in 2007 where he was a Professor of Medicine and Attending Gastroenterologist until his retirement in March 2020.  He also served as the Chairman of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Massachusetts Medical School throughout his tenure at UMMS. 

As a scientist in the very early days of genetics, Andrew cloned gastrointestinal hormone genes (PYY and secretin) of mammals and generated genetically engineered mice to answer key questions regarding neuroendocrine gene structure and function, neuroendocrine cell development and neuroendocrine cancer disease. His pioneering work had an important impact on both basic and applied science in the gastrointestinal neuroendocrine world.  Andrew was a brilliant scientist and physician, and was committed to teaching and mentoring, both formally and informally, many young scientists and other professionals with whom he worked. 

Visiting in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home on Thursday January 30th from 10-11am.  Followed by a Funeral Service at 11am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dr. Leiter may be made to Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corporation 747 Water Street Framingham, MA 01701, MA 01760. 

For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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