Obituary of William Charles Andrews

William “Bill” Charles Andrews, 95, of Halfmoon, NY passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 7, 2023. Born on August 5, 1927 in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late William Clarence and Ellen (More) Andrews. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1945 before he was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II.

After being honorably discharged in 1947, Bill attended Siena College where he received his B.S. in Chemistry. He earned his Master in Biochemistry and Management Science at Siena and RPI, as well as continued graduate studies in Chemical Engineering, Paper-making, and Supervision.

His career in chemistry began at B.T. Babbitt, Inc in Albany as an Analytical Chemist. From 1952 to 1971, he worked as the Chief Chemist for Westvaco Corp. in Mechanicville, and then later as a Field Development Engineer at Albany Engineered Systems in Glens Falls, NY. Throughout this time, he also worked as a consultant to local paper mills for pollution studies. In 1993, he retired as a Manager of R&D Laboratory in Garfield, NJ.

Bill was a decorated member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), he held district and national offices, receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership. He was also an affiliate member of the Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA), and since 1968 was a task group member of the US Advisory Group to the International Standards Organization.

In 1951, he married the former, Adele T. Amyot. They raised their 5 children together in Halfmoon. For 67 years, their home was a prominent place for gatherings where countless family memories were made. Later in life, he became the proud “Poppy” to 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Bill’s family was the most important part of his life.

He was a faithful and devoted Catholic, he was an active member of St. Mary’s in Crescent, NY, as well a member of the Holy Names Society. He will be remembered for his volunteer work as the St. Mary’s Crescent parish traffic officer, where he became special deputy sheriff through Saratoga Sheriff’s Department.

For 46 years, he was a proud 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus #192 in Cohoes and Grand Knight of Council #6862, Faithful Navigator of Assembly and Trustee of Assembly #0734; as well as a member of the Color Corps. In 2003, he received a lifetime membership award. In his spare time, Bill was an avid fisherman, small game hunter, and enjoyed building small colonial era model ships.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Adele, in 2007; son, Thomas K. Andrews; grandchild, Jimmy Andrews; as well as his beloved brother, Robert J. Andrews.

He is survived by his children, Barbara J. Andrews-Iwan, Susan M. (Tom) Salvo, Sandra A. (Steve) Burke, and Nancy D. (Greg) Ambrecht; daughter-in-law, Carol Andrews; grandchildren, Jeff (Shannon) Iwan Jr., Bonnie-Jean Iwan, Courtney (Zack) Schwan, Wendy Iwan, Season (Chad) Groves, Brian (Dan) Dumesnil, Tom Burke, Christopher (Ryan Virginia) Jones, Wesley Ambrecht, Alex Ambrecht and Jessica Ambrecht; as well as 7 cherished great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, on Friday, February 10th from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 11th at St. Mary’s Crescent, 86 Church Hill Rd, Waterford at 10 AM. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterford, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 or to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com