Andrew F Dexter

Andrew (Andy) Dexter was born April 13, 1919 in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the youngest of Rose and Andrew Dexter’s 4 children. He attended school in the Paterson, New Jersey area, and extension courses in labor management at Rutgers University. He served in the Armed Forces in World War II, and was in Europe as part of Patton’s 3rd Army, 16th Armored Division in France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia.

After the war, Andy married Mary Judith (Judy) Haigh in East Lansdowne P.A. in 1948. Their union was the result of a chance meeting between his mother Rose and Mary Judith on a train….where Rose played matchmaker and invited Mary Judith to meet her wonderful son! They resided in Fair Lawn New Jersey where he worked for Wright Aeronautical Corporation as a Machine Shop Supervisor for 20 years. They had two children; Kathleen and Andrea, and in 1959 moved to Florida to escape the cold winters. He then was employed by Tecstar Corporation as a supervisor and Director of Production Control for 13 years, and transitioned to the Cordis Corporation for the remainder of his work career. He retired after 12 years from Cordis in 1983, and he and Judy moved from Pembroke Pines to reside in Orange City to be closer to Judy’s mother and to get away from the congestion of South Florida.

In his working years, many a family vacation was spent in the Florida Keys, where he was able to pursue two of his biggest enjoyments, boating and fishing. He was highlighted in the Keys newspaper for catching the largest grouper off a dock. After retiring, Andy and Judy enjoyed traveling up and down the eastern seaboard to visit family and friends. They especially enjoyed trips to the Carolina’s and staying in the mountains, and educational opportunities as part of Elder Hostel sponsored tours, visiting New Orleans and many other wonderful places. Andy always was a reader and enjoyed learning. In his later years, he slowly lost his eyesight and the ability to read. He continued to involve himself in current events and his favorite TV shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He enjoyed photography and his flowers and garden. Andy mowed the lawn on his property until well into his 90’s, taking great pride in being able to remain independent. Andy’s hobbies also included woodworking and he assisted a number of other friends creating and making toys for needy and disabled children. He loved his times playing cards with the “Oh Hell Gang” for over 20 years, and greatly missed these Friday night activities when he had to stop driving at age 92.

Andy gave of his time and talents to many organizations over the years including Wright Aeronautical Forman’s Council, President and member of the United Methodist Men (Trinity Church in Deland), President of Deland District United Methodist Men, member of the Board of the Wesley House at Stetson University, and representative for Trinity Church for the Florida Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, Florida. He and Judy also sang in the choir at Trinity Church for many years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10096, where he served as Chaplin for a number of years, the Polish Legion, and the Deland Lions Club where he previously served as president. He remained active and involved with the community and organizations for as long as he was physically able. He was mentally aware and sharp until the very end.

Andy lost his wife Judy in 2003 after 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters Kathleen Dexter-Clayton (Peter Clayton, deceased) and Andrea Dexter, and honorary daughter Cindy Guilles, Nieces; Linda Huber, Judy Gott, Delores Ossino , Joyce Dykstra, and nephew John Shorrock; along with sister in law Eleanor Hobdell, niece Linda Feldman (Kurt), nephew John Hobdell (Pat) and nephew Robert Hobdell and many other family members. He is pre-deceased by his siblings William Dexter, Eva Shorrock, and Cathryn McLean.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Childrens Way, Deltona FL. 32725 or Wesley House, 520 N. Woodland Blvd., Deland, Fl. 32720