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Joseph Charles Andress

Joseph Charles Andress, 94, of Essex and formerly of Old Saybrook, peacefully passed away on March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and with the love and support from the caring staff at Essex Meadows.

Joseph was born May 1, 1929, in New York, New York, and was raised in Yonkers, New York. He was the son of Joseph Andress and Else Clemens Andress. Following in the footsteps of his father, Joseph attended and graduated from Lafayette College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering. Joseph thoroughly enjoyed his college years while developing friendships that lasted throughout his life. Joseph met his wife, Jean, at a college party when she was visiting with friends from Beaver College. After they met, they realized they rode the same bus to elementary school.

Joseph was employed by United Nuclear Corporation UNC for over 35 years. Armed with ambition, intelligence, and a strong work ethic, Joseph eventually became vice President of Materials at UNC. After retirement from UNC, Joseph continued to work as a private consultant for Monitor Corporation, where he offered his vast experience and expertise to companies globally.

Joseph joined the U.S. Navy in 1954. Shortly afterward, he graduated from Officer training in the U.S. Naval School in Newport, Rhode Island. He then worked as a Catapult Officer during the Korean War. He retired from active service in 1957 as a Lieutenant JG and was in the retired reserves for many years.

Joseph was a Renaissance man. He was a lover of fine art, fine wines, travel, gourmet cooking, music, and opera. His love of opera was so strong that his number one wish was to have lunch with Pavarotti. Joseph always owned a sports car and delighted his children and grandchildren while out for rides where he would “put out the wings” and pretend the car was flying. He was a lover of nature and enjoyed hiking in many places, especially in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He was an accomplished birder and could identify most birds by their calls. Joseph bought a 1961 Lightning sailboat, in which he enjoyed sailing with family around Long Island Sound. He loved all animals, especially dogs. Pets were always considered a part of the family. When visited in his later years by canine friends, he would light up with joy and always try to share part of his lunch with them.

In retirement, Joseph took great pride in his garden, growing herbs and flowers. Sharing gourmet meals or traveling with family and friends were his priorities. Whether he was boating on Ballston Lake in upstate New York or walking the beautiful beaches and visiting wineries in Washington State with his children and grandchildren, his number one enjoyment was being with family.

Joseph is survived by his daughters, Pamela Phillips (Jim) of Vancouver, Washington, and Karen Andress of Newington; daughter-in-law Karen Andress of Oviedo, Florida; his grandchildren, Jennifer Staines (John), Matthew Andress, Ryan Andress (Tom), Kyle Andress, Rebecca Weidenaar (Mark), Dylan Avena, Hannah Avena; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Emily and Sarah Staines. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jean, in 2022 and his eldest son, Thomas, in 2018, with whom he is now reunited. The family would like to thank the staff of Essex Meadows, who lovingly cared for Dad over the last several years.

Services will be held Friday, April 12, at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook. Visitation hours are from 10 to 11 a.m., with a service and burial immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trust for Public Land of Connecticut, Essex Meadows Scholarship Fund, or a charitable donation of your choice.