Ronald Kinsman Andrews, beloved husband, father, teacher and friend died peacefully at his home in Bristol on Oct. 9. He was surrounded by his family, those whom he loved and those who loved him.
Born in Easton, Penn., on Valentine’s Day, 1932, Ron was the son of Marian Kinsman and Sumner Cameron Andrews.
He graduated from Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg, N.J. in 1949, where he was a basketball standout.
Ron was in the armed forces and served in the Korean War, receiving numerous commendations.
After receiving his teaching degree from Trenton State University in Trenton, N.J., he devoted his entire teaching career to those elementary students at the Califon School, Califon, N.J., where he taught students in their fifth to eighth grade years. As a result of his gifted teaching, Ron was greatly loved and respected by his students and their families. His students excelled in math as well as other areas. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1988.
Ron had a lifelong love of Dixieland Jazz and could be seen at jazz concerts throughout the east coast. A tennis enthusiast, he competed in the National Senior Games as well as other tennis events. After retirement, Ron spent the past 18 years enjoying life in Maine and traveling the RV circuit with his best friend, his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol L.; sons, Ronald H. and Gregg C. of Bangor, Penn., and Eric J. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; daughter, Lauri E. and husband Dale Gardner of Woolwich; grandchildren, Ronnie P. Andrews, Aurelia A. Andrews, Cameron W. Andrews, and Nichole A. Laggan; brother, Sumner C. Andrews of North Carolina; daughters-in-law, Gina Andrews and Bonnie Williams of Bangor, Penn.; brother-in-law and wife, Richard and Diane LaRoza; and nieces and nephews. He, his warmth and humor will sorely be missed.
Gathering of friends and family 4-6 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 12 at Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
Gathering of friends and family 4-6 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15 at the V.F.W., 202 Veterans Rd., off Rt. 191, one mile south of Bangor, Penn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Califon Elementary School-Ronald K. Andrews Scholarship Fund, 6 School St., Califon, NJ 07830.
