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It is with heavy hearts that we bid a final farewell to Charles W. Andrews, 78, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., formerly Fire Island Pines, N.Y. This remarkable soul departed our world on Sept. 1, 2023. Charles was born in Hollidaysburg, the only child of Charles W. Andrews and Pearl Kyle. He is fondly remembered for his infectious positivity, welcoming nature and inspiring concern and advocacy for equality and justice.
After graduating from Hollidaysburg High School, he continued his education at Penn State, earning a degree in physics.
Mr. Andrews was a Broadway tune enthusiast and theater aficionado who supported the arts with many donations. A devoted patron of the arts, he consistently opened his beautiful Horace Gifford home on Fire Island Pines to talented artists of all genres. Those closest to him will never forget his love of piano bars, the Fire Island Dance Festival, Pinot Noir, Tanqueray and animals -- especially kitties.
Perhaps nothing was more important to Charles than his darling husband, renowned fashion illustrator J. Hyde Crawford. The couple married aboard the Queen Mary 2 before the legalization of same-sex marriage. Later, they were legally wed at their home on the bayside of Fire Island Pines, where nature blessed their beautiful matrimony with a rainbow in the sky. Charles was deeply in love with Jay, remaining fully devoted to him and selflessly caring for his health until his passing in 2013.
Charles W. Andrews was also preceded in death by his adoring aunt, Dorothy Dimond.
Left to cherish his precious memory are his closest companions: Daniel Routhier, Jac Venza, Jim Vulkus, Phillip Wilson, Peter Stamberg, Paul Aferiat and Luis Villabon; and loving cousins, Robert Dimond and Kathy Meckley.