LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John J. Andrews, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews of Vestal, New York died on Monday, April 27,
2015 at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born February 5, 1931 in Hornell, New York, John J. Andrews
never lost enthusiasm for his hometown and his friends there; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in the war years, John J. Andrews began working
evenings and nights around his school hours at the age of 13 for the
Erie Railroad, rising from switch sweeper to the Accounting Bureau; he
was also proud to achieve Division I status as a college basketball
referee; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews joined the New York State Police after honor-
ably serving with distinction in the United States Navy; he led the
Governor's car for the opening of the New York State Thruway in 1954,
and worked for several years as a Deputy Sheriff in Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, Upon moving to Broome County in 1963 as a Tobin First Prize
Salesman, John J. Andrews was elected Broome County Sheriff for two
terms in the 1970s; he was ahead of his times in jail administration,
introducing competitive civil service, hiring the first women deputies,
establishing a Mobile Radio Communications System, and developing the
largest inmate Work Release Program in Upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious career, John J. Andrews also signif-
icantly improved safety and health conditions for guards and inmates;
his initiatives included mental health clinics, High School Equivalency
training, library services, and dental services for inmates; in addi-
tion, he hired the first full-time jail Chaplain; and
WHEREAS, With a true passion for government and politics, in retire-
ment, John J. Andrews served legal papers for HH&K and other law firms,
right up through age 82; and
WHEREAS, Known for his warmth and wit, John J. Andrews enjoyed vegeta-
ble gardening, golf and meeting people; his greatest joy was in musical
theatre performance; he appeared locally in numerous productions of
"Hello Dolly," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Annie Get Your Gun," "The Music
Man," "My Fair Lady," "The Sound of Music," "South Pacific," "The Most
Happy Fella," "Anything Goes," "No, No, Nanette," "Camelot," and "The
King and I" at the Cider Mill in Endicott, New York; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Clair and Edna Saxon Andrews; two
brothers, Clifton (Kip) and Donald; a brother in spirit, Frank; and his
sister, Ruth, John J. Andrews is survived by his partner of 34 years,
Katherine (Kate) and her extended family; his five children, Susan
(Jerry), Bernie (Sue), Marybeth (William), Joseph and Alice; nine grand-
children, Jacqueline, Michael, Nicholas, Madelyn, John, Robert, Sara,
Luke and Violet; his former son-in-law, Luke (Karen) and their children
Matthew and Kelli; sister-in-law, Mary Ann; several nieces and nephews;
his Godson, Santino DeAngelo; his first cousin Paul (Clara); and close
friends and neighbors, Monica and Russ Pennington; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, John J. Andrews leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John J. Andrews, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John J. Andrews.