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
was the son of Clair and Edna Saxton Andrews; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews grew up during the war years, and began work-
ing evenings and nights around school hours at the age of 13 for the
Erie Railroad; during this time, he rose from switch sweeper to the
Accounting Bureau; and
WHEREAS, A talented athlete, John J. Andrews was nicknamed "Spider" by
his high school baseball coach for being a web in the infield; he was
also proud to achieve Division I status as a college basketball referee;
and
WHEREAS, After proudly serving his country as a member of the United
States Navy, John J. Andrews joined the New York State Police; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, he led the Governor's car for the opening of the New
York State Thruway; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrews worked for several years as a Deputy Sheriff
in Monroe County, and subsequently, moved to Broome County in 1963 to
work as a Tobin's First Prize Salesman; and
WHEREAS, In the 1970s, John J. Andrews was elected Broome County Sher-
iff where he rendered loyal, faithful, and conscientious service for two
terms; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man distinguished himself in his profession
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in the field of law enforcement, John J. Andrews
was an innovator in the field of jail administration; he introduced
competitive civil service, hired the first female deputies, set up a
Mobile Radio Communications System, and developed the largest inmate
Work Release Program in Upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John J. Andrews significantly improved safety
and health conditions for guards and inmates under his command; he also
promoted numerous initiatives including mental health clinics, high
school equivalency training, library services, dental services for
inmates, and the first full time jail chaplain; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, John J. Andrews served legal papers
for HH&K and other law firms up until the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrew's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of his community, John J. Andrews enjoyed
government and politics, vegetable gardening, golf, and above all, meet-
ing people; he was known for his warmth and wit, and never lost his
enthusiasm for his hometown or his friends; and
WHEREAS, John J. Andrew's greatest joy was participating in musical
theatre performance; he appeared locally in numerous productions includ-
ing "Hello Dolly," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Music
Man," "My Fair Lady," "Sound of Music," "South Pacific," "Most Happy
Fellow," "Anything Goes," "No, No, Nanette," "Camelot," and "The King

and I" at the Cider Mill and with the BC Pops, SRO and Jan DeAngelo
Productions; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents; his two brothers, Clifton and
Donald; a brother in spirit, Frank Fitzsimmons; and sister, Ruth, John
J. Andrews is survived by his partner of 34 years, Katherine (Kate)
Fitzgerald; her extended family; his five children, Susan (Jerry),
Bernie (Sue), Marybeth (William), Joseph, and Alice; nine grandchildren,
Jacqueline, Michael, Nicholas, Madelyn, John, Robert, Sara, Luke and
Violet; his former son-in-law, Luke (Karen) and their two children,
Matthew and Kelli; sister-in-law, Mary Ann; several nieces and nephews;
and his Godson, Santino; his first cousin, Paul Andrews (Clara); as well
as his close friends and neighbors, Monica and Russ; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John J. Andrew 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.