CHARLES ANDREWS Obituary

ANDREWS--Charles W. It is with heavy hearts that we bid a final farewell to Charles W. Andrews, 78, of Fort Lauderdale, FL (and formerly Fire Island Pines, NY). This remarkable soul departed our world on September 1, 2023. He is fondly remembered for his infectious positivity, welcoming nature, and inspiring concern and advocacy for equality and justice. Charles was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on December 6, 1944, the only child of Charles W. Andrews and Pearl Kyle. After graduating from Hollidaysburg High School, he continued his education at Penn State, earning a physics degree. Mr. Andrews was a Broadway tunes enthusiast and theater aficionado who supported the arts with many donations. A devoted patron of the arts, he consistently opened his beautiful Horace Gifford home on Fire Island Pines to talented artists of all genres. Those closest to him will never forget his love of piano bars, the Fire Island Dance Festival, Pinot Noir, Tanqueray, and animals (especially kitties). Perhaps nothing was more important to Charles than his darling husband, renowned fashion illustrator J. Hyde Crawford. The couple married aboard the Queen Mary 2 before the legalization of same-sex marriage. Later, they were legally wed at their home on the bayside of Fire Island Pines, where nature blessed their beautiful matrimony with a rainbow in the sky. Charles was deeply in love with Jay, remaining fully devoted to him and selflessly caring for his health until his passing in 2013. Charles W. Andrews was also preceded in death by his adoring aunt, Dorothy Dimond. Left to cherish his precious memory are his closest companions, Daniel Routhier, Jac Venza, Jim Vulkus, Phillip Wilson, Peter Stamberg, Paul Aferiat, and Luis Villabon; and loving cousins, Robert Dimond and Kathy Meckley.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Sep. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES ANDREWS

8 Entries

Cindy

October 26, 2023

I only knew Charles very late in his life. However, I feel my life was enriched by knowing him. We listened to show tunes in the car on the way to medical appointments and talked about the shows in which they were made famous. He told me stories about his life. Even in his waning years he was a lovely and kind gentleman, with a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to his friends and family for his loss.

Rosemary

September 21, 2023

My dear Charles,
The first time I saw you I knew we would hit it off and become friends. Thank you for all the advice you gave me about life and to live it to it's fullest and just live life and be happy. I will always treasure our time together, the laughs,the intelligent talks that you would give me, some I understood some and some I didn't, and all the dancing we did even though we both had two left feet, we didn't care. Oh, Charles I will truly miss your beautiful smile, it would warm my heart. You always made my day by visiting me at the front desk and just standing there telling me all kinds of things and stories. You were taken way too soon, you were truly a beautiful soul. I love you Charles, until we meet again.

Mark

Planted Trees

Mark Sylaj

September 14, 2023

To my dear friend, Charles,

We met in Fire Island Pines a few years back, and as a neighborly thing, you invited me over for dinner. That night, our friendship began.

Over the years, you became more than just a friend. You became family. You welcomed me into your homes in Fire Island Pines and Fort Lauderdale, and you always made me feel like I was part of your family. You taught me so much about life, especially the biggest lesson anyone could ever learn: just have fun. Take life as it comes, and do it with a genuine smile. You made it look so easy!

Charles, you were a true friend, and I am so grateful for the time we had together. I will miss you more than words can say. Thank you for teaching me the importance of friendship, laughter, and living life to the fullest. You will always be in my heart.

With love,

Mark

Michiel Drommel

September 13, 2023

I remember Charles as a very kind and generous person who I met several times via video calls. His foster son in Sri Lanka called Dileep, was so happy to meet him and share beautiful moments there. He helped the family getting a better life. So unfortunate that it was made impossible by people who surrounded him, for Charles to finish what he had so generously started. He will be missed dearly. The family will hold a ceremony to celebrate his life at the tree that Charles planted there. My condolences go out to his family and real friends.

Philadelphia

September 11, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope.And especially knowing that Our Creator cares about how we feel and what we're going through.(Psalms 103:14) So sorry for your loss.

Kathy Meckley

September 8, 2023

Kathy Meckley

September 8, 2023

In 2015 Charles and I returned to San francisco to revive his memories of the years he enjoyed this fabulous city in the late 60's and early 70's. As a young physicist just having moved on from work in Georgia and Livermore and now at Alameda, he thrived! We had a blast. Cousin kathy

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