Andrew R. "Drew" Sanderford

Andrew R. (“Drew”) Sanderford, age 40, of Charlottesville, Va., passed away on August 31, 2023, in Charlottesville.

Drew was born on October 7, 1982, in Durham, N.C. and spent his childhood in Charlottesville. He was curious about the world and was constantly learning. Drew loved to spend time outdoors and felt whole when in the wilderness. He found purpose through loving and supporting those around him. Drew’s wit, wisdom, and generosity touched many people.

At the time of his death, Drew was the Robert M. White Jr. Bicentennial Associate Professor of Real Estate Finance and the Director for the Center for Real Estate and the Built Environment at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. Prior to joining the McIntire faculty, Drew was on the faculty at the University of Arizona, where he was the faculty chair of the Real Estate Development program, and he was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech. Drew was a dedicated and successful interdisciplinary researcher, an outstanding and effective teacher and mentor, and an unselfish community builder.

Drew is survived by his wife Gillian Hatch; his parents Jay and Beth Sanderford of Ann Arbor, Mich.; his sister Alyson Bowen (Dan) and their children Mary Paige and Henry of Ocala, Fla.; his maternal grandparents John and Barbara Dearman of Vero Beach, Fla.; and many close friends who shared his love of the outdoors and enjoyed his dry, insightful wit.

Plans for a celebration of Drew’s life will be made at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Kindness Cafe & Play in Charlottesville (www.kindnesscafecville.com) or to the Idaho Conservation League (www.idahoconservation.org).

Condolences may be shared with the family on the Tribute Wall.