Harry J. Andrews, Sr.

HARRY J ANDREWS SR, WW II HERO

Harry passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2020, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Camden, NJ, he spent many years in South Jersey and Philadelphia, PA.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Harry & Florence (Mohs); his brothers, Joseph, John, Robert, Edward, and Richard Andrews; his sisters, Catherine Conklin, Monica Estergall, and his twin sister, Julia Lees.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan (Murray); his sons Timothy (Beverley) Warner, Harry Jr (Cheryl), and Sean (Sandra); his daughters, Carla (Matthew) Kendrick, and Cara (Peter) Maloney; grandchildren, Kimberly, Maria, William, Kristin, Trenley, Lane, Timothy Sean, Justin, Brianna, Brooke, McKenzie, Sarah, Amie, and Travis; great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Paul Jr, David, Isabella, Ryleigh, Carlianna, and Avianna.

At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in Philadelphia. While serving under General George C. Patton's 3rd Army, Harry earned the Army Occupational Medal (Germany), the Berlin Airlift Device Medal For Humane Action, and the World War II Victory Medal. He served in the CID, the Military Police, and the 9th Infantry Division Special Training Regiment.

Harry was instrumental in the transportation of the first 30,000 Jewish refugees, via rail cars, to their safety in the U.S., and transported German POW's as ordered by President Harry S Truman.

Harry is a listed honoree in the National WW II Museum in Washington, DC.

When he returned to the U.S., he continued his military career as a TSGT in Syracuse, NY. While manning the Army Recruiting Station, he met Joan, his future wife of 60 years. He and his family are extremely proud of his military career.

After retirement, he worked as a sexton at North Syracuse Baptist Church for several years. He then returned to college at age 61, and graduated with an Associate's Degree in the same class as his daughter, Cara. After several years in the hotel industry, he retired again. However, he decided to go back to work, temporarily at Walmart, but ended up staying there for 14 years.

Harry was a self-taught pianist and organist. He & Joan traveled extensively, including to Europe, the southwest and southeast U.S.. Harry's "happy place" was in Cape May, NJ, where he spent his summers enjoying reunions with his large family.

In later years, he looked forward to celebrations and gatherings in his home. He felt he was richly blessed, and his family meant everything to him.

Calling hours will be at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N. Main St, North Syracuse, on Wednesday, February 12th, from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will be at New Comer Thursday, February 13, at 11am, with a burial directly following, with military honors, at North Syracuse Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence for Harry's family, or to share a special memory of Harry, visit the guestbook below.