Richard W. Andrews

Loudonville, NY-Richard W Andrews, 88, of Loudonville and Long Pond, Willsboro New York entered the kingdom of heaven February 28, 2025. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY to Frances Helen McAloon and William Hugh Andrews on January 6, 1937. He graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1954. He then completed a BS in Physics at Siena College, continued on to earn a MEd of Education from Siena College and a MS of Physics from Union College. Dick joined the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge. In April of 1961 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Anne Dollar. They produced five children, Kathryn Laberge, Sarah White (Jay), William Andrews (Faye), Heather Andrews, and Kristen Whipple, (Michael). He adored his grandchildren Daniel Laberge, Timothy Laberge (Elizabeth), Emily Andrews, Richard Andrews (Mita), Warren Whipple, and Jerry Whipple. Dick retired from Hudson Valley Community College as a Professor of Physics and Physics Department Chair. He worked all his life as a proud member of Plattsburgh Local 910 of the IBEW, an electrical union created by his father. He was a communicant of St Pius X, a member of the Friends of Long Pond, Upstate NY Buick Club, Model A Restorers Club, Model T Ford Club, and the Keeseville Elks Lodge 2072. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Heather and his parents. He was also predeceased by Alice Schultz Dollar, Paul A Dollar, Paul A Dollar, Jr and his wife Linda, and Marilyn Dollar Haggerty. He is survived by his wife, remaining children, his grandchildren, and his brothers-in-law Robert Dollar (Gail), and Donald Haggerty. Each of us will die, but Dick lived. Dick spent his life teaching. It was his role as a professor of physics, but those lessons were only the most obvious ones he delivered. He taught his children the culture of honor, the importance of their good name, and that God hates a coward. Always gracious and unassuming, he loved being surrounded by family and friends yet despised being the center of attention. Dick didn’t seek the exotic, he liked grilled steak, freshly harvested corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. The parties he hosted with his wife were always memorable because he was a generous host, brilliant raconteur, and bartender extraordinaire. Even if physically not at camp on Long Pond there was a piece of his heart always in his rocking chair on the porch. His brilliant mind allowed him to finely dissect the second law of thermodynamics and wax eloquently on American history, but he never knew where he had left his car keys. Although his mind held his intellect and his soul held his unassuming nature, his hands were his greatest tool. Dick spent his spare time building reproduction Shaker furniture, tinkering with antique clocks, and restoring antique cars and trucks. The man could literally fix anything. He was most proud of developing articulation agreements in the sciences at HVCC, and creating the Siena College Lacrosse team. Dick lived his life creating that which does not yet exist. He was forever generous in responding to requests for help. The family would like to extend their thanks to the skilled and caring nurses and doctors of Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Their expert and thoughtful care allowed us to keep our husband and dad as long as possible. They saved his life on multiple occasions and allowed him to go home. We will always be grateful. We wish we were there to see all his poochy-headed dogs welcome him into heaven. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family Wednesday, March 5, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at a later date. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com If you wish to make a donation in Dick’s name please make your contribution to the Siena College Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

Tributes

Richard W. Andrews

January 6, 1937 - February 28, 2025