Rev. John Day Andersen

September 24, 2023

On Sunday, September 24, The Rev’d John Day Andersen, Sr. a beloved uncle, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and lifelong minister, passed away at his home in Thousand Island Park, NY on Wellesley Island. Jack, as he was known by all, spent his life devoted to his family, the Episcopal Church, and the community he treasured, Thousand Island Park. Born to Robert Julius and Arlene Margaret Day Andersen in Auburn, NY on May 29, 1933. Jack just celebrated his ninetieth birthday with friends and family this past summer.

Jack’s ministry spanned nearly 60 years, beginning as a chaplain’s assistant in the United States Army Paratroopers 11th Airborne Div. before graduating from William Hobart College with a BA in 1960 and subsequently receiving a degree in Theology from Berkeley Divinity School in 1963. He then served parishioners at St. John’s Episcopal in Greenwich and St. Mark’s Episcopal in New Canaan, CT, before becoming the executive director of Roslyn Episcopal Retreat Center in Richmond, Virginia in 1972. He went on to found ECCC (Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers) and led that effort until his retirement in 2005. He became vicar of the Church of Saint Lawrence in Alexandria Bay, NY in 2003 and has been active in the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York for the past twenty years. His pastoral care, sincere friendship and spiritual guidance were gifts to many families for whom he has officiated baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He was particularly honored to have served as chairman of the board and general manager of Thousand Island Park, reflecting his devotion to the preservation and betterment of the community.

He is survived by his son, John Andersen, Jr. (Susan), daughter, Deborah Andersen (Steve Pullinger), grandson Robert Andersen (Devin), granddaughter Jennifer Andersen (Garret Plummer), step-grandson Jeffrey Pullinger (Erin), step-granddaughter Lisa Woodcock (Justin), great grandchildren Jackson, Cameron, Anna, Emmy, Henry and Lucy, his beloved nephew Michael Andersen ( grandnephew Roy and grandniece Katy), special friend Ruth Sugeno, and many lifelong friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Lewis Andersen, brother, Robert (Bob) Andersen Jr. and nephew Robert “Buzz” Andersen III.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 29th from 4-7PM at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc. in Clayton, NY. The funeral will be held at Church of Saint Lawrence in Alexandria Bay, NY on Saturday, September 30th at 2:00PM with The Right Reverend Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Wellesley Island, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Church of Saint Lawrence, P.O.Box 211 Alexandria Bay NY 13607 or Wellesley Island Fire Department. P.O. Box 690 Wellesley Island NY 13640. Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

Comments

#11 Vera Hartless 2023-09-29 18:00

I remember Jack from when I worked at Roslyn Conference Center in Richmond, back in the 70's. My mother was head of housekeeping and I worked weekends. Sending sympathy and prayers to his family, RIP.

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#10 Kit Conway 2023-09-27 19:21

Jack was a great friend and neighbor to me, my wife, and our two dogs whenever we got to spend all or part of our summers in TIP. We shared a lot of laughs, and Jack told me a lot about some fun architecture background he had with a friend of his, Kent Cooper.

Seeing Jack always made my day a bit better. He will be missed!

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#9 Lesa Plantz 2023-09-27 10:10

My deepest sympathies to Jack's family. I have known Jack for many years....first through Wellesley Island Building Supply and also the Church of the St. Lawrence. 15 year ago Jack married my husband Gary and myself on Grenadier Island, Lake Ontario. What a grand time he had as did all who attended. I heard him tell the story more than a few times over the years and he laughed every time. He was such a caring and giving friend. His loss will be felt by many.

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#8 Linda Levine 2023-09-26 22:51

Dear Jack’s Entire Family
Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. Jack was Truly a Most Spectacular Man. I am forever grateful for the impact he had upon my life. We had many conversations and every one was a treasure!
I will miss hearing his voice as well as his laughter. It was a sincere honor having had known him. Sending you all Light, Love and Healing
Linda Scibetti Levine

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#7 Nancy Goldacker 2023-09-26 14:07

TIP has lost another pillar…Jack Andersen…just saying his name makes you smile. We are so grateful that he shared time with us this past summer to officiate at my parent’s services. The stories he delivered were gems, truly unforgettable. Our sympathy to his entire family-

Ron Seeley & Nancy Goldacker

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#6 Paula Mallory Engel 2023-09-26 13:55

Dear Ruth, John and Debbie: We are so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. Jack and my mother, Freddie (Winifred) Love Mallory, were born a few weeks (and TIP doors) apart, and were friends from birth at TIP. Jack was so full of vitality (he had just started building a new improvement to his cottage - by hand - this summer!), I can't imagine not seeing and talking with him. He will be sorely missed, and I pray that God grants you comfort in the warm memories you share of him.

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#5 Barry Zelikovsky 2023-09-26 12:14

On behalf of the Vivekananda Cottage at Thousand Island Park and the Ramakrishna-Viv ekananda Center of New York, we offer our heartfelt condolences on the loss of this fine human being. All of us at Thousand Island Park have been touched and rewarded by our association with Reverend Andersen.
With affectionate respects,
Barry Zelikovsky
Ramakrishna-Viv ekananda Center of New York

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#4 Carol Lewis 2023-09-26 10:47

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you will find peace as you gather together to celebrate a life well lived.

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#3 Jason Comet 2023-09-26 05:08

I had the privilege of service with Jack at the Church of St Lawrence from 2006-2011, and again a few years later, as Organist and Director of Music. His friendship and support were always heartfelt and welcomed. He was a jovial friend and fierce defender of the faith and the church. Even after our time apart at the Chapel, we still remained friends and always enjoyed our times serving together in other services. I will miss his stories, his support, and his love he shared with everyone. My condolences to the family.

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#2 Bill Breitenbuecher 2023-09-25 19:04

I am so very sorry to learn of Jack's passing. He was a great man. I treasured his friendship. Sadly, I will be out of town this weekend for a family wedding. I will be with you in spirit as you celebrate the life of this child of God. Holding you all close in my mind and heart.

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