Paul Andrews Obituary

Paul H. Andrews, 76, of Lakewood, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was born May 1949 in Peru, Indiana, the son of Marion and Graham Andrews.

He was a graduate of Maconaquah High School in Bunker Hill, Indiana in 1967 and of Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French in 1972. His passion for language and culture led him to spend a semester studying at the University of Strasbourg in France. He later received his law degree from the University of Akron in 1982.

From 1972 to 1974, Paul served in the Peace Corps in Morocco. It was there that he met and fell in love with Rosemary Leone of Dunkirk, NY, who became his beloved wife September 8, 1973.

Paul devoted his professional life to public service and the law. He worked as an investigator for the Chautauqua County Public Defender's Office and later practiced law with Bly, Sheffield and Andrews (now Bly, Sheffield, Bargar & Pillittieri). He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Chautauqua County and was a Clerk for Chautauqua County Court. Paul also served as President of the Jamestown Bar Association from 1993 to 1994 and was a member of the Board of the Lakewood Library.

Paul's joie de vivre led him to many pursuits. He enjoyed skiing, kayaking, biking, sailing on Chautauqua Lake, and traveling - particularly sailing adventures in the Greek Isles and the Caribbean. He was a member of the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club and proudly served as Commodore in 1990. He also belonged to Holimont, The Cabin, the Rod & Gun Club, the Hollyloft bicycling group, Beer Club, and perfected his hand at wine and beer making for over two decades. Later he was a pilot on the historic Bemus Point–Stow Ferry, a role he greatly enjoyed.

Above all else, Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved any excuse to gather with others - whether for a large celebration or a simple get-together - and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Paul truly never met a stranger, and those who crossed his path quickly became friends. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his thoughtful words of wisdom, his sharp and curious mind, and his gentle soul.

In retirement, Paul enjoyed starting his mornings at Ryder's Cup in Lakewood, where he formed many cherished friendships. He remained active and engaged, always eager to learn, connect, and enjoy the world around him.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Rosemary Andrews, who passed away in 2020.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Andrews, whom he married on April 27, 2024. They met through their shared interest of bicycling and many mutual friends. He is also survived by his two children, Laura Andrews (Michael) of New Orleans, LA and Evan Andrews (Heather) of Ithaca, NY; his siblings, Edith Cowlin (John) of Crystal Lake, IL, Tom Andrews (Sue) of Westlake, OH, and Mark Andrews (Steve) of Las Vegas, NV; and his four beautiful grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be held at Lind Funeral Home on Friday, January 30th from 1-3pm and 5-7pm. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to the Lakewood Memorial Library (lakewoodlibrary.org) or the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry (thebemuspointstowferry.com).