John P. Andes

Andes, John P. ALBANY John P. Andes, 86, died on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at home with his family, after a long illness. Born in Jersey City, N.J. on October 26, 1924, he was the beloved husband and best friend of Virginia C. Andes for 64 years; loving father of Jeffrey Andes, Patricia Austin and Kathleen Fortier; seven grandchildren, Lisa Illenz, Jennifer Brew, Nicole Hitchcock, Daniel Conley, Michael Conley, Zachary Andes and Katie Andes; and seven great-grandchildren, Jacob Brew, Cassandra Fleischer, Samantha Illenz, Nicholas Illenz, Austin Hitchcock, Lily Hitchcock, and Sara Isabella Conley. He is also the brother of the late Eunice Wright and beloved son of John James Andes and Anna Stock. John, or "Jack" as many knew him, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1945 with his bachelor degree in aeronautical engineering. Following graduation he became an officer in the U.S. Navy serving as a plank member on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway where he served as an artillery officer. During Jack's professional tenure of 35 years he held many lead positions in aeronautical and space age technology. He was the department head of Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory's Transonic Wind Tunnel where he was responsible for the development and implementation of aircraft testing for 12 years. Jack joined the laboratory in 1952 after six years in the propeller division of Curtis-Wright Corp. He was named manager of the firm's B-1 Technical Support Program for assistance on the development of an advanced manned strategic aircraft, the B-1 Bomber and contributed to the technology behind the Stealth Bomber. His retirement years were spent in Albany, N.Y. with his wife, Virginia where they enjoyed playing golf and bridge. The last six years he resided at Avila Retirement Community with good friends. Jack was a humble man who will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishment, but for his intellect, sense of humor and his love for his family. He was loved and will be missed. Funeral services will be Friday, February 25 at 9:15 a.m. from New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Albany, N.Y., then to Church of Christ the King, 20 Sumpter Ave., Guilderland, N.Y. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The parish family of Christ the King will gather on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John's name to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com