Mendham & Peapack
Tribute Wall
Thursday
13
December
Funeral Service
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Bailey Funeral Home - Mendham
8 Hilltop Rd.
Mendham, New Jersey, United States
(973) 543-4720
Interment
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
85 Pleasant Hill Road, PO Box 78
Chester, New Jersey, United States
(908) 879-7349
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Patricia Hoover-Hagan posted a condolence
Saturday, March 2, 2024
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Andy's passing. Andy was a remarkable man. I met him in 1989 when a mutual acquaintance. Suggested my son Dennis volunteer at Waterloo. My son was allergic to every animal except rabbits and geese. He end up in the blacksmith's shop. Andy took him under his wing. Dennis looked forward to the weekends with Andy.It was there that Dennis learned work ethic and that he had a passion for history.He was most disappointed when Andy left Waterloo in 1996.
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Sharon uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
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Nearly 5 years gone. I miss you so much Andy. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. It’s like a piece of me is missing. I’m so sorry for everything I didn’t do. I just always thought you would be there. I love you Andy and I always will. My life is empty without you.
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Sharon uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 19, 2023
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My beautiful Andy
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Sharon Drysdale-Sokalski lit a candle
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
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On the Eve of the 4 anniversary of Andy’s death I’m still grieving and imagine I will be for the rest of my life. Andy was my rock. He held my whole life together. I miss him as much now as I did in December of 2018. Rest In Peace with your mom and dad Andy. I’ll see you again.
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Sharon Drysdale-Sokalski uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
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Renee posted a condolence
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Approaching almost two years since Andy has left us. A storyteller, a historian, a man of the past that lived amongst the present. I can still recall his stories, the tempo and timing of his tales. He has become a part of history and like history, his stories are remembered. He is still remembered.
Missed by many.
-Renee
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Sally M. Chetwynd posted a condolence
Monday, October 28, 2019
Shocking to learn of Andy's death - my husband Phillip and I hadn't heard from him since early December last year, when he called twice in two weeks. He was going through a rough patch. Efforts to call back were fruitless. So we did not know anything until today, ten months later, until I happened to ask a mutual friend about him, via LinkedIn.
We first met Andy in 1991, when he pulled together a Civil War weekend at Waterloo Village. Even before we met, when we were talking on the phone about the event, we all had a feeling like we had known each other forever. We each felt comfortable enough with each other to talk about anything and everything, no matter how personal or intimate. If it happens at all, it only happens once in a lifetime.
Andy, you are missed. You were loved deeply by many whose lives you touched. You will always be loved. Rest in peace.
Phillip and Sally "Sam" Chetwynd
fellow reenactors
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Ellen Weber posted a condolence
Monday, October 28, 2019
We knew Andy from re-enacting, Wild West Cory and personally for many years. I remember him coming to our Allentown event and he had brought me my favorite drink (brandy). It was cold and he knew how much I loved it. He was always so very kind and sweet. When we did re-enacting at Wild West city I would spend time just sitting watching and talking to him. I have so many wonderful memories. Andy you are so missed. You will never know how much.
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Susan Moore lit a candle
Monday, July 8, 2019
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This is my beloved brother. I have no words to say I can't. He was beautiful and that's all I loved him so so much my darling brother Andy
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Denis Sullivan uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, May 23, 2019
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Andy and I surveying the old Warren Railroad right-of-way near Oxford Tunnel.
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Dennis Dillon posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Very sorry to hear of Andy's passing. I first met him in the mid 90's at Waterloo Village when searching for someone to forge needed ironwork for restoration
efforts at Shippen Manor in Oxford. Over the past 25 years I was awed to see how talented he was in so many other areas revolving around history. About 20 years ago my sons' cousins were visiting from Arizona and we took them to see Shippen. Andy gave the tour. I had no idea he was that good! I heard him several times since that day giving presentations as far ranging as the French and Indian War to under the radar early 20th century apple jack production up here in northwest Jersey. The preservation community in Warren County has lost an important man.
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Shellene and Hunter Gallo posted a condolence
Monday, April 15, 2019
We are blessed to have known Andy for 10 years. He was a wonderful, smart, giving man. HIs historical knowledge fostered a love for history for my son Hunter. He was a funny, fun to be with guy and the kids loved to attend the homeschool class he taught for us at Shippen Manor. He loved his family and often told us of his life growing up and how great his childhood was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Amy Jones lit a candle
Sunday, March 24, 2019
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Just thinking of Andy today. Missing him greatly, as the weather gets warmer and thoughts turn to Shippen and outdoor historic activities.
Rest in God, Be at Peace.
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Eloise Schooley uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 15, 2019
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Eloise Schooley uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 14, 2019
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Amy Jones posted a condolence
Sunday, March 10, 2019
This news is so unbelievably sad. My deepest sympathy to the family. I met Andy at Wild West City in the mid-90s, and have kept in touch over the years. Andy was the real deal, true to his values; respecting and living the way of old America. I will remember him as a gentleman, blacksmith and definitely a cowboy. He has ridden into the sunset too soon, and has left a void for sure. I will miss him greatly. God's peace, old friend.
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Peter Cullen posted a condolence
Friday, March 1, 2019
I was saddened to learn of Andy's passing today,I got to knowhim well when he worked at Fosterfields Farm in Morris Co., was very nice ,knowledgeable ,and friendly .We both had an interest in history ,so we had a great rapport.My condolences to his family and friends!God bless and R.I.P.
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William Honachefsky Jr posted a condolence
Thursday, February 21, 2019
God Speed Andy. In history. Condolences to his family.
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Sharon Shay lit a candle
Sunday, February 17, 2019
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Adam Schuler posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
I was saddened to hear of Andy's passing. We were childhood friends and classmates. Lost touch after high school but I remember his passion for history even as a young child. I will always remember those days exploring the woods and ruins of the old foundations on Cooper Lane. Rest In Peace Andy. My condolences to his family.
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Lisa Warlick McBride posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
I am very saddened to learn of Andy's death. He and I were classmates from Kindergarten through 12th grade at the Chester Public Schools and had several teachers together. We also rode the same school bus from about 7th grade on and I remember his stop on East Fox Chase Road. I will always think of Andy as the kid who loved history, particularly American history, and I'm so grateful to see these photos of him, as an adult, still enjoying it and sharing that joy with others.
God's peace be with you, Andy. I, too, have come to really enjoy history and will often think of you and how you inspired me to find the same fascination with what built this great nation of ours.
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Bierce Riley posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
In the photo of the five doughboys posted by Aaron, our friend Andy stood in the center, looking defeated. Today, the words of the Harry Chapin song “Last Stand” came to mind:
And now it’s you that’s on the line,
And now it’s you that’s going to find,
If you can stand at all.
So you circle all the wagons,
And you hide behind the trees,
And try to find some courage on your knees.
When you heard the sound of taps played
By the one-man marching band,
You knew this is where you’d have to make
Your last stand.
Rest in peace, Andy. Your soul has joined your mother's in Heaven.
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Denis Sullivan posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2018
I was saddened to learn of Andy's death. He was a kind and generous friend with whom I collaborated in historical research about Oxford, Hackettstown and Belvidere. He gave unstintingly of his time and knowledge, even using his surveying skills to map out a portion of the old Warren Railroad right-of-way for me. My condolences to his family. His passing is a great loss to Warren County's historical community.
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Kristin Perry Cazares lit a candle
Saturday, December 15, 2018
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Paul Van Eeckhoven posted a condolence
Friday, December 14, 2018
My sincere condolences to you on your loss. Andy was a very dear friend that I will miss greatly. We shared a passion for WWI history among many other things. I still remember being in the parlor in our uniforms singing those old songs...... He also taught my son Joel the art of blacksmithing while we all worked at Wild West City. We kept in touch even after we moved to North Carolina and spoke just before thanksgiving. I am sorry I wasn't close by, we always seemed to be able to talk for hours about everything.
He will be remembered well by us.
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Mona McHugh posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
My wish is for the Drysdale family to be comforted in knowing Andy has touched so many lives over the years. I met him over 25 years ago he was blacksmithing, he was good with my young boys answering all their questions. He was an Angel called back home, he will always be remembered & sorely missed by many.
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Dee-Dee Moens posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Andrew was a very sweet, kind and intelligent man. I'm so sorry he's no longer with us. May he rest in the hands of the Lord.
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Milly Rice posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
To the Drysdale family,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. Andy was a very unique man, he could talk to you for hours about the history of our country and his antiques. He will be missed by so many. On behalf of the Warren County War Memorial corporation members we send to you our heartfelt condolences for your loss. As a longtime member and officer of the corporation we now have a void in our board that will be hard to fill- Andy will be a tough act to follow. As most people in town who knew Andy, he was our WWI doughboy at our ceremonies held at the War Memorial throughout the years. He wore the uniform proudly and with distinction. You will be missed, Andy. You now join the ranks of our other deceased members- Rich Coughlan, Frank Bingert, Bob Stone, Carl Higgins, Terry Lee, Jack Trimmer and Jack Reed. Go in peace and God Bless,
Milly Rice, Secretary
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Jay C. Richards posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
It is with great sorrow that I give my condolences to Andy's family today. I have known Andy since the 1980s. I first met him at Gen. Robert McAllister's grave site in Belvidere where Andy was the chaplain for the 11th NJ Regiment of re-enacters. As a reporter for The News of Belvidere, I covered Andy's lecture on colonial iron making in Oxford in 1989. Over the years, we spent many hours on the telephone talking about history, 1920s-1940s music and 1930s movies. He joined me and the Harmony Twp. Historical Preservation Commission in working to preserve the VanNest/Hoff/Vannatta farmstead, and later, he joined me and the other trustees of the Warren County War Memorial. I shall miss Andy very much.
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Gary Greenwald posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
I was so, so saddened to hear of Andy's passing. Andy had a way of making everyone he spoke with feel important, because to him, they were important. His passion for history led my family down a wonderful path and I will be forever grateful for his gift of passing on of that passion to us. The historical community, as well as the community in general, will not be the same without Andy's enthusiasm, his friendly smile and his gentle nature. I am honored and blessed to have known Andy and will never forget his kindness.
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ben smith posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Andy's smile was warm, his handshake welcoming, and his enthusiasm infectious. I knew him as a blacksmith; as a historian; as my Dad's good friend. Andy had a way of always being intensely, genuinely happy to see you. Whenever he called the house to talk to my dad, we would chat for a few minutes first. It was always great to run into him at the Cooper Mill or find him at a Civil War encampment. He was just an all around great guy.
I fondly remember a day I spent with him at the Wild West City blacksmith shop. There was a good deal of bellows pumping, but he also taught me so much about metal work and life. Andy had a great way of explaining things so that anyone could understand. He had kindness and patience for days. His interests and enthusiasm radiated and touched anyone nearby. It saddens me deeply that he's no longer around. Andy touched the hearts of so many people - I'm glad I can count myself among that number.
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drew abbate posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
My heart is broken for the Drysdale family.
Andy and I went to high school together and were great friends. He happily dragged me into re-enacting, World War 1 uniforms and equipment were in abundance at the Chester flea market. Then we were off to Boonton, have to look for 78's at The Old Time Music Scene, need more victrola needles etc.. Who was better early Crosby or Sinatra? The rare Bix Biederbecke records, music at Hambone Kelly's.
So many memories of shared meals, good tobacco, bad vaudeville jokes and song, he loved to sing. Then there was the time he almost got us to join the French Foreign Legion......
I hope you have found peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and our friends at this time.
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Susan Buechle posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, December 13, 2018
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Phil and Ginny Frank posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
We were so very sorry and shocked to learn of Andy's passing. We have been neighbors for 15 years. Most recently we ran into him at the local diner and asked him to join us as we had dinner. He was a kind and generous man and a wonderful neighbor. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
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Jay moir posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
How many of us can forge a link? Andy Drysdale could create a link not only in metal but a personable link with anyone in his presence. I first met Andy at Foster Fields he said here comes a Doughboy as I walked down the farm road.I marched many years in belvidere with him. He would always tidy my uniform. He had a reverence for the past. He is my forever friend and I will never forget him. Jay moir
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Jennifer Michalski posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
So sorry to hear of Andys passing. A true story teller. His sincerity, kindness, wit and charm will truly be missed. Rest In Peace sweet Andy.
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Ellen Weber posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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Ellen Weber posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
We have known Andy since Waterloo village and then all through many years at Wild West City. Kind, sweet and always a gentle soul. Always had time for friends and the public. We have many fond memories of time spent together. He made us welcome always. We will miss you my friend and thank you for such an amazing journey. Our hearts have broken. Heaven has gained an amazing angel but way way too soon.
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Annette Smalley-McGill lit a candle
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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Gail and John Dewees posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
We met Andy at Fosterfields and enjoyed his interpretation of a World War ! soldier. Our condolences to his family.
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Susan Morgan posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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Lenee O'Neill uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Andy Drysdale and his young apprentice, Jared, at Waterloo Village
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Lenee O'Neill posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Our lives were greatly blessed 31 years ago when we first met Andy Drysdale. I was working at the Smith General Store in Waterloo Village one summer when our 9 year old son, Jared, decided to accompany me daily. While there, Jared spent all of his time next door in the blacksmith shop, working alongside Andy, learning how to operate a forge. It was truly an amazing and enriching experience for Jared. Andy had so much knowledge of history and blacksmithing which he so generously shared with others. Our son was so proud of his accomplishments while working with his new friend. To this day we are grateful and thankful for the life and friendship of Andy Drysdale. He is forever in our hearts and prayers. Most sincerely, Jared O'Neill and his parents, Lenee & Kevin
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Mark Texel posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Andy Drysdale's passion, knowledge, humor, wit and professionalism in the living history community shall be deeply missed. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
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Jennifer Dolan lit a candle
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Allen Barlow lit a candle
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Allen Barlow posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Andy Drysdale will be missed by so many. His passion for history and talent for sharing this knowledge with others was a benefit to countless people. Andy was my friend. I pray he is now in a better place. God speed Andy.
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Bierce Riley lit a candle
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Phil scott lit a candle
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Phil scott posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Rest In Peace Andy. Always enjoyed talking to you. You were a walking encyclopedia on history. You will be greatly missed my friend
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Susan Dow posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Rest in Peace Andy. You will surely be missed. I will always remember working with you at Waterloo Village. It was always interesting. I'll never forget how brave you were to get the bat out of the Stagecoach Inn while I was working in there!
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Aaron J. Siegel uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Bierce Riley posted a condolence
Monday, December 10, 2018
One beautiful weekday in the early spring of 1987, I walked over to Fosterfields. It was an off-day, but something was going on in the sheepfold, so I looked in a window. A ewe was giving birth, with Andy at her side. He motioned for me to come in, go around and just open the gate (not generally open to visitors), but Andy wanted to share the experience. That was so much the way he was: caring and sharing. I stayed until all three lambs were born, discussing the mother’s innate understanding of jump-starting her baby’s respiratory and digestive systems.
Over the past 30 years, we’d run into each other, always at historic sites, events, or museums, and especially at Waterloo Village. He’d be at Waterloo Canal Day and Wharton Canal Day with the 27th Regiment, and later became our once-a-month blacksmith at Waterloo. When he was curator of Shippen Manor, we had some long, wonderful conversations after he’d answered by question on Warren County.
Talking to Andy was always a learning encounter; his knowledge of history was vast and deep, but his real genre was living history. He knew farming, beekeeping, ice cutting, blacksmithing, sawmilling, North Jersey history, military history, and so much more. But mainly, Andy was a first-class interpreter of history, always in period attire. He’d throw in comments to make visitors laugh; appropriate material in a manner that really engaged his audience. He had such a wealth of knowledge. We’ve all lost a truly fine historian and living history interpreter.
The living history community mourns.
Our Locations:
Mendham Location:
8 Hilltop Road
Mendham, NJ 07945
973-543-4720
Peapack Location:
176 Main Street
Peapack NJ 07977
908-234-0590
For GPS Purposes use Gladstone, NJ 07934