Obituary of Andrew Francis Hall

Andrew "Andy" Francis Hall WATERLOO– Andrew "Andy" Francis Hall, age 68, died on Wednesday (February 15, 2017). In honoring Andy's wishes, services will be postponed until his grandson, who is deployed overseas, is able to return stateside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sampson VeteransMemorial Cemetery, 1 DiPronio Dr., Waterloo, NY, 13165. He was born on December 18, 1948, in Westfield, Mass. to Andrew David and Lillian (Singleton) Hall. Andrew (SFC-US Army-RET) was a career soldier who served during the Vietnam War and earned several medals during his illustrious career, including the National Defense Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army of Occupation Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. His primary specialties in the Army were motor transport operations and food service. He was proud of his work at Natick Laboratories where he assisted in the development of "tube-food" zero-gravity meals which were used by the fledgling space program at NASA. Andrew also did an 18 month stint as a Drill Sergeant during the Vietnam era. For the most part, the Drill Sergeant side of Andy was tucked away belowthe surface however, he was able to summon it when and if needed. He served multiple overseas tours, including post-war Germany, Vietnam, and Greece, serving nearly ten years outside the United States. While in Greece, he was on liberty visiting a local beach and noticed a swimmer in distress, in true Andy fashion, he jumpedin without hesitation and was able to rescue the swimmer (Andy was a hero in that town, and also to us). That was quintessential Andy – never afraid to lend a helping hand without regard for his personal safety or best interests. Most recently, Andy helped out during elections as an election-day worker, a role that he relished. Additionally, he served as the Court bailiff for the Town of Waterloo Court, a role that put a smile on his face each and every court day. For Andy, family and friends were everything. There was nothing he would not do, nor any event that he would forego irrespective of how he may have been feeling. Andy loved his grandkids unconditionally and proudly sported whatever team colors they may have at any particular time, be it bright orange, or black, or anything in between. He was the go-to guy, if the kids or their friends needed a ride anytime,anywhere – Andy was on the ready. Thus his sphere of influence extended outward to so many in the community. He believed strongly in his country and was deeply patriotic and he hoped for a bright future for his kids, his grandkids, and all Americans. Because of his strong familial ties, his passing leaves a void in many lives, and he will be deeply missed. Though he rquested that no one shed a tear for him, (some promises can be kept only in spirit, and not in practice), please raise a glass in his honor. Godspeed dad, grandpa, uncle, friend, Andy. He is survived by daughters Tiffany (Christopher) Folk of Waterloo and Jennifer (Bernie) Lusa of Becket, Mass.; grandchildren Kimberlee Mattoon, Bryan Hall, Christopher Bastian, Tristan Folk, Trinity Folk, and Calista Folk; brothers David "Skip" Hall of Coventry, Conn. and Thomas (Barbara) Hall of Southwick, Mass; niece, Tammy (George) Williams; nephews Jim Hall, Dennis (Liz) Hall, and Walter (Tina) Hall; a close personal friend, Carolyn E.Robinson. Condolences for the family may be sent towww.coegenungfuneralhome.com.