Andrew W. Kramarchyk

Kramarchyk, Andrew W.
CAYCE, SC - Andrew William Kramarchyk passed away on May 14, 2025, with his loving wife Joanne by his side. Born on July 16, 1961 to Eleanor M. (Pike) and Metro Kramarchyk, he was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Donna Leah Smith and Christina Frances Stamboly.
Andy balanced full-time jobs while pursuing his college degree for decades. In 1985 he wed Mary Beck, and they later welcomed their children Katerina (1988) and Demetrius (1991). He proudly watched both children graduate from college, achieving a dream that had long eluded him.
Andy was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, helped found the Columbia County Travel Baseball League, and served as president of the Ichabod Crane School Board.
In 2013, he married his high school sweetheart, Joanne DeFreest. After a 30-year career in the alcohol beverage industry, Andy returned to Siena College and graduated in May 2021, just shy of his 60th birthday. At age 60, he and Joanne moved to Columbia, SC, where Andy pursued a PhD in political science at the University of South Carolina. He earned a coveted teaching assistant position and was elected president of the Graduate Student Association.
In November 2023 Andy was diagnosed with brain cancer but remained optimistic throughout his illness-always with a smile. In April 2025, he was awarded a PhD in Political Science. Dr. Ann Vail, Dean of the Graduate School, said Andy exemplified "perseverance, passion and curiosity" and praised his "extraordinary resilience."
Andy lived each day to its fullest, welcoming everyone as a friend. He was the embodiment of optimism. His life taught us that we are never too old to chase our dreams.
Andy's service will be Friday, May 23, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 2229 Hampton Street, Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Kramarchyk Family Foundation at USC c/o The Development Office, 1600 Hampton Street, Suite 736, Columbia, SC 29208.