HUDSON FALLS – Andrew “Andy” J. Willig, 52, of Morgan Drive, passed away suddenly, on Monday, May 6, 2019.
Born on April 28, 1967 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Shirley (Smith) Willig and James R. Willig, Jr.
Andy was a graduate of the class of 1985 at Hudson Falls High School.
He was the proud owner of Sprague’s Mermaid Pools in Fort Edward. His life passion was providing others the enjoyment of owning their own swimming pool. Prior to owning his own business, Andy drove Washington County Head Start bus #45. The children who rode on his bus, touched his life and brought him great joy.
Andy enjoyed watching the New York Football Giants with his family and friends. He was not only a great son, brother and uncle, Andy was an outstanding friend and supporter of his community, who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He loved to tell great stories, had a quick wit and loved to laugh.
As a boy, Andy was a member of the Catherine Street Gang and was a Derby Park legend. He always wanted to play ball with the older kids and Coach Luciano sent him to “Tidewater” more times than he could count.
He loved riding in his antique Hacker Craft “Liebchen” at the family camp on Lake George in Bolton Landing.
Andy is predeceased by his uncles, Dick Smith and Bill Willig, his aunt, Ann Pociluk and his cousin, Kathy Pociluk.
Survivors include his mother, Shirley Willig of Hudson Falls; his father, James R. Willig, Jr. of Arizona; his siblings, Debra Asplund and her husband, Brad of Knoxville, TN, James R, Willig, III of Hudson Falls, Michael J. Willig and his wife, Tianna of Hudson Falls and Anne-Marie Brancati and her husband, Tony of Hudson Falls; his aunt, Nadine Smith; his nieces and nephews, Alexandra (Lucas) Allamon, Michael (Shaylyn) Brancati, Mark Ostrowski, Geno (Abby Wendell) Brancati and Anneliese Willig; his cousins, Marianne Smith, Brenda LaMere, Cindy Lammon; and several wonderful friends, that Andy cherished like family.
Friends may call on Friday evening, May 10th from 6 to 9 p.m. at McManus Hall, next to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s on the park in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11th at St. Mary’s/ St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
Following the cemetery service, everyone is welcome to the Kingsbury Fire House on Burgoyne Avenue for a celebration of Andy’s life. For those that would like to bring a dish to pass, it would be greatly appreciated by his family. Anyone wishing to contribute to the celebration, please contact Mary Beth (Yole) McCullen at 518 796-8683 or Susan Kearns at 518 796-6878.
Memorial donations in Andy’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Dear Willig and Brancati Families,
I am truly sorry I will not be able to attend Andy’s services and celebration of a life well lived. Andy began his summers at “Derby” when I was working there along side my Dad. I can still picture him walking to and from the park with Anne-Marie. He was a happy, loving little boy. May the memories of the life he shared with you, his friends, and his community give you strength. May he rest in peace.
Dear mrs Willig and children,
Along with my three surviving children, my husband and close friends(Margaret and Fred Ross, Iand I attended young Ric Bartlett’s funeral in Rye Ny a few years ago on February 1. Quite a few of Ric’s friends from Hudson Falls including Andy came to the event to honor Ric. There must have been 3 or 4 hundred guests in the very posh restaurant after the church mass Of the celebrities and Wall Street tycoons that stood at the podium to memorialize Ric, your son Andy was the only speaker who received a heartfelt standing ovation for his humor and his poignancy. Andy made us laugh and made us cry because he explained why his buddy was so wonderful … the community of Hudson Falls was the key. These bigwigs from the city understood after Andy’s presentation that their wonderboy Ric was nurtured by hometown USA. And they could see that the curly red /haired big guy in front of them was also a hero. You know I only got to teach your son Mike and not your other children in high school English classes. Well that February 1st in Rye Ny, your Andy became my teacher of life’s most important kesson…everlasting friendship. And now he and Ric are together In a way that transcends earth and us mortals. Having lost a son myself I have found comfort in the last nine years from my friends and family members and the memories we share about him, in time, I hope fr you and your dear ones the same kind of bitter sweet reality that will become your new normal. If you ever need a good listener feel free to call
Dear Willig Family, My Thoughts & Prayers are with You. The World has lost one of Thee… Most Genuine, Kindest, persons to Live. Andy was a Best Friend of mine from childhood, I will forever Cherish countless memories. Andy was So Kind to My Boy’s, nicknames for each, He treated All His Friend’s Children as if His own, He’d Brighten Anyone’s day he encountered. You were a Special Man “Big A” …. Sincerely, Mike Marine
We would like to offer our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Andy’s family and friends.
With much love, Erik & Lynda Hafner. We love you Mike & Shaye, very much.
Dear Willig Family, I attended the BOCES Building Trades Program back in 1984-85. My two Queensbury classmates and I, were in class each day with Andy. We also became friends with Tony Brancati, and Bill Haley. I have fond memories of the HF and QBY guys hanging out, and laughing daily! Andy was so funny! When ever I saw him over the years, he made me laugh and always asked about my family and friends. I’m lucky enough, to have been able to call him a friend. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow.
We are so very sorry about Andy’s passing. What a kind, sweet msn. Our thought are with you all. May God Bless. Love from Gail and Peter Luciano
Condolences to the Willig family and friends,Rest in Peace Andy you will be missed.
To The Willig Family,. My deepest sympathy. I grew up with Andy. As children we were members of the Original Catherine Street Gang, as well as both Waterboys for the Hudson Falls Greenjackets. He was a great guy. We shared many good times together. I will never forget him.
To the Willing Family,. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy. I knew Andy and grew up with him. As children we were members of the original Catherine Street Gang. We also were both Waterboys for the Hudson Falls Greenjackets. Andy was a great guy. We had a lot of good times together. He will be sorely missed. I will never forget him. So sorry for your lost.
Condolences go out to all of Andy`s family and friends. He will be missed by many. R.I.P. ” BIG CAT “
To the Willing Family,. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy Andy was a great guy , he would help out any way he could , I know he love being in the pool business, for that brought happiness to others
My deepest condolences to the Willig family. Andy was always such a special person. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from our days in the Catherine Street Gang and the many days at Derby Park with Andy. We are all better because of how special Andy was to all of us and he will remain forever in my mind and heart.
Our deepest condolences to the Willig family ..
Andy was a great guy.