HUDSON FALLS – Anson S. Piper, Jr., Associate Professor Emeritus of Geology at Adirondack Community College (renamed SUNY Adirondack), aged 92, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2019 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Anson was born at his parents’ home in Eastwood, Syracuse, NY on January 17, 1927. He grew up and attended Huntington Eastwood Public Schools and Syracuse University for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
This legendary soul was a Freemason, a member of Masonic 950, Herschel Argyle 508 (Hartford), and also Scottish York Rites. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #574 of Hudson Falls. Anson was a parishioner of Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls.
An American by birth and philosophy, he firmly believed in our Republic. Anson “Stood in Arms” to defend it in the United States Army in World War II, The Wyoming National Guard, during the North Korean conflict, and civil defense alarms during the Cold War. He voted, paid taxes, and supported its laws.
As a volunteer, Anson worked with youth groups especially The Boy Scouts of America. One of Anson’s most visible and notable attributes to the community was that he conducted school and group programs in Science and “Living History”. He was sought out frequently to hold these programs and always thoroughly enjoyed going into schools and into the public to show and teach others his passions. Those who attended and held these programs loved having him there and listening to his teachings and stories. Anson served on the Hudson Falls/Kingsbury Bicentennial Committee. As Anson aged, he was only able to volunteer at Saratoga National Park, but still did as much as he could, and found great joy in it. One of this man’s most admirable qualities was how charitable he was; he loved giving and never expected anything in return. He would help anyone in need in any way he could.
Anson’s own interests were of course the earth and natural world, hiking, fishing and hunting (he was a member of the Newcomb Sportsman Club for many years). Anson found great companionship and joy in owning dogs, from Springer Spaniels to Yorkies, they truly were his best friends.
Anson is predeceased by his parents, Anson Smith Piper and Ethel (Peterman). Sisters and their spouses, Bernice (Bob) and Clarice (Bill) Shepard also predecease him. As well as Anson’s former spouses, Gwen and Eileen.
Anson is survived by his six children: Donald Piper (Tammy) of Queensbury, Joel Piper (Annette) of South Glens Falls, Chad Piper (Amy) of Niskayuna, Amy McKee (John) of Whitehall, Jonathan Piper (Wendi) of Saugerties and Anson Piper III (Sarah) of Fort Edward.
Anson is also survived by his grandchildren, who meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment that he could spend with them or speak with them. Many a ride to Boston were had on Grandpa/Pop-Pop’s knee when they were young, and many a German song sung to them; he was so very proud of each: Jared Piper of Glens Falls, Nathaniel Piper of Phoenix, AZ, Alex Piper of Glens Falls, Ian LaRock of Queensbury, Steven Nallie of South Glens Falls, Angelia Nallie of South Glens Falls, Marisa Nallie of South Glens Falls, Delaney Piper of Niskayuna, Brennan Piper of Niskayuna, Connor McKee of Whitehall, Aedin Piper of Saugerties, Caelin Piper of Saugerties, Colin Piper of Glens Falls, and Isabella Piper of Fort Edward.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 and the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
The Herschel-Argyle Lodge #508 and all other Masons are invited to a Masonic service at 7 p.m., following the calling hours.
The Rite of Committal will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Duell Road in the town of Schuylerville.
A beautiful memorial for a very special man…Christmas won’t be the same for many years to come without you and Frank…God Bless and watch over our beloved familes…March 2019 the loss of their father,grampy,pop pop and father in laws…God Bless You Anson…as you blessed all that knew you…RIP Sharon
So very sorry for your loss, Sharon. You and the family have certainly been in my thoughts and prayers these last few weeks. Anson was very upset when being told about Frank; even though it was at times a struggle to get him convinced to join everyone for Christmas, he would always end up having a great time and would go home in a good mood. Thank you for your sweet comment!
He was a wonderful man, very loving & kind. His remarkable memory of historical events always astounded me, even when he was much younger. I never met a man that loved to talk as much as he did. 🙂 He loved his family very much & loved sharing his knowledge with people. You will be sorely missed, Anson. We all loved you!
Anson, my friend, you will be missed. Now you will be celebrating your birthday and Ben Franklin’s birthday with the original.
Prayers are offered up for the friends and family, as I know you will miss him too.
Anson ,for the short time that I was in the scouts you would not believe how much knowledge that I learned from you and carried it with me throughout my lifetime and sure put it to use many times over.Mr Piper you were a very knowledgeable man and I Thank You for sharing it with me.
“One of your boys” John
P.S. Teach them a thing or two upstairs Mr.Piper.Take care ole buddy as it was a pleasure to have known you and always considered you as a good friend.
Anson was a great guy,and an inspiring teacher! His classes at ACC were definitely my favorite. He had the passion,humor,and humility that made him great. Farewell my friend. Spend your time now watching out for those who love you!
My college advisor, mentor, and true friend…Anson put All his students first…and cared about each and everyone of us…each time I saw him throughout the years he always asked for an update on my life and how my family was doing…you will be truly missed…
Sorry on your loss, may you find peace and comfort in the days ahead keeping your memories close to your heart. My sincere condolences
My sincere condolences to Prof. Piper’s family. He was my first geology professor from whom I learned just how much I loved science, geology, being outdoors, liberty and freedom. He shared his knowledge with quiet humility. To him I owe many thanks. He was truly a treasure who will be sorely missed. Godspeed Professor Piper.
Rest in Peace, Anson. You beneficially educated many, many people in your long career and in retirement. I will always appreciate your taking me under your wing as you helped prepare me for my geology career. I am sorry I didn’t tell you this in your last years. You had a positive impact on my life, and I am grateful. I will always fondly remember the many ACC field trips we went on (especially that time we camped out at Trenton Falls, and you convinced the state trooper who came to investigate the next morning that it was all good with Ni-Mo). I may not have been too keen to join the 2nd Continentals, but you were responsible for me becoming a geologist, something I have never regretted. You will obviously be missed greatly. Best wishes and sincere condolences to his extended family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Anson was an inspiration to me as a young geology graduate from Syracuse University. His son Joel was one of the most talented chefs ever at Camp Chingachgook. Best wishes to all of Anson’s family.
Only thing I missed was Bernice and Bob last name was Marx
In my time at ACC Geology class, or my time in Knights Templar and Royal Arch, the presence of Anson Piper always made the time more lively with his sharp wit and knowledge. Great discussions of the French and Indian Wars and American Revolution will I long remember. Anson had more great puns then anyone I have known. Anson, this was one of yours, I am sure you know none of us take you for granite.
May the God of all comfort bring comfort and strengthen the family. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)