Lawrence Andrews Jr.

Andrews, Lawrence Jr. CHATHAM Lawrence James Andrews Jr. passed away peacefully at The Inn at St. Peters' Hospice on Saturday, August 17, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Lawrence was born August 14, 1943, in Chatham. He was the son of the late Lawrence James and Mildred Haigh Andrews Sr. On August 22, 1964 he married his childhood sweetheart, Judith Ann Leggett Andrews. They have spent the last 56 years of their lives together. Lawrence was the loving father of Leah Jeanine Andrews Prack and James Dewitt Andrews, son-in-law Jeffrey Douglas Prack and daughter-in-law, Lisa Marie Nadeau Andrews. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ann Prack, Karalyn Elizabeth Prack, Addison Elizabeth Andrews, Jaxon Lawrence Andrews and his faithful shitzu Lilly. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Andrews Akin and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Carol Andrews Bohne. He was a special friend to many in the town of Ghent, especially his "Cape Cod" family. Lawrence graduated from Ockawamick School in 1961. He received his bachelors of math from Brockport State in 1964. He also worked towards his masters at SUNY Albany and SUNY New Paltz. He was a math teacher in the Taconic Hills School District for 35 years. During that time he coached JV/varsity baseball. He was also involved with the Ghent Little League and the American Legion Baseball League. He was a past director of the Ghent playground summer program. For the last 34 years, Lawrence has devoted himself to public service. He served as a councilman for the town of Ghent from 1980 - 1999 and as town supervisor for the town of Ghent from 2000- present. He served on the board of supervisors from 2000-2013. During that time he served as deputy chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and as chairman of the Pine Haven Home committee, a place which has always been near and dear to his heart. He was a life member of the Ghent Rod and Gun Club, an honorary member of the Ghent Fire Company and a volunteer for the Ghent VFW Christmas fund. He was a lifelong member of the West Ghent Reformed Church and a past deacon. Lawrence was an avid Yankees fan, enjoyed doing carpentry and loved Cape Cod as his second home. He was able to spend his last days at the Cape with his family and friends. Though Lawrence lost his courageous battle with cancer, we all hope to live by his motto; "It is what it is." Because of his strong faith and love of teaching, in lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made in his name to the West Ghent Reformed Church, 1039 Rte. 22, Ghent, NY 12075 or to the "Lawrence J. Andrews, Jr. Scholarship", c/o of Dollars for Scholars of Taconic Hills, PO Box 44, Hollowville, NY 12530. Calling hours will be Wednesday, August 21, from 4 - 8 at the Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham, N.Y. The service will be Thursday, August 22, 10 a.m., at the West Ghent Reformed Church. For on-line condolences visit: wenkfuneralhome.com