Andreas Sawatzki

He was born in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, on April 13, 1921, and overcame incredible hardships before coming to this country.

Andy came to this country through Ellis Island in 1951. He initially came to Saranac Lake for the treatment of some health-related issues but then decided to make Saranac Lake his home due to his love of the mountains and the outdoors.

He married Albina Rothel, who predeceased him July 4, 1963. He later married Helen McCalvin, who also predeceased him on June 25, 2006.

Andy retired from the Saranac Lake Central School system in 1983. He was an avid fisherman and gardener, and was actively involved in the sporting events that took place at the school. You could always find Andy at any one of the rugby tournaments that took place during the summer.

Andy most recently made his home at Saranac Village at Will Rogers, where he had many friends, especially his dear friend Isabelle Mosher. Andy was an active member of the Will Rogers family and was always up for a game of cards or a game of pool. He loved to watch wrestling on Monday nights. Andy was known for his helpfulness, his sense of humor and his smile.

Andy is survived by his two daughters: Ericka Brunette of Holiday, Florida, and her husband John, and Christine McCaffery and her husband John; his grandson Kyle McCaffery of Westfield, Massachusetts, whom he adored; his brother John Sawatzky of Waukegan, Illinois; and a son, Henry Frank of Rockaway, New Jersey.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andy’s name can be made to Saranac Village at Will Rogers.

For additional information, visit www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.