William Andrake Sr.

William “Moose” Andrake, 98, of Endicott, died peacefully on Tuesday December 16. He was predeceased by his wife of 74 years Florence Margaret Ross Andrake, his parents, Anna and John Andrake, and his 12 sisters and brothers. Born in Scranton, PA, William graduated from Scranton Technical High School, class of 1945. After he graduated, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Brazil where he served as a weatherman. William returned from his service and married Florence the love of his life. After they married, he was hired by Stair Builders, a housing contractor, and moved his wife and young daughter to Endicott, NY where he lived for 70 years. William retired from Stair Builders to start up Andrake Construction. William was a highly skilled master carpenter and true artisan, known for his exquisite cabinetry and intricate finish work. In his later years he loved to travel and found much joy visiting National Parks, hiking in the mountains of Idaho and enjoying time in the Florida sunshine. He loved spending time outdoors finding much solace in the expansive landscapes of the natural world. He was a devoted husband and father to their six children, in whom he instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of education. William’s life was truly one of selflessness, always enthusiastically attending many sporting, scouting, scholastic, musical events and graduations. At times he would express his love for music in song and would serenade his wife with “Why do I Love You” from Showboat. He was an active member of the UE Band Boosters, traveling as a chaperone to many competitions, parades and Buffalo Bills games. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and loved coaching his kids’ little league baseball teams. He developed a new passion for golf after he retired, playing in many tournaments, and was a regular presence on and off the local courses. He enjoyed playing with his friends but found more pleasure teaching his grandchildren the art of the game and walking the courses with his children. William never really retired as an artisan, always willing to use his carpentry skills to help his children and friends with home projects. He also served as a member and contributor to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
William is survived by his children: Nance Andrake Hinchliffe, husband David, William Andrake, wife Debra, John Sterling Andrake, wife Linda, Greg Andrake, wife Cindy, Tamra Andrake Schiappa, husband Christopher, and T.R. Andrake, wife Sherry and eleven grandchildren, Maggie Hinchliffe Bonesteel, husband Michael, Bryan Hinchliffe, Jennifer Andrake, Sean Andrake, Gregory Andrake, Derek Andrake, Kyle Andrake, Carly Andrake, Ellie Schiappa, fiancée Aaron Roos, Wilson Andrake, and Riley Andrake, and two beautiful great grandchildren, Elvy, and Avari Bonesteel.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday December 29th at 11 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends and family on Monday the 29th at Church from 9:30 am until Service time at 11 am.
Donations may be made in William’s memory to the Campville Fire Department (6153 State Route 17C, Endicott, NY 13760) or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760).