Arnold T. “Arnie” Anderson Sr., 70 of Ancramdale, NY passed away in the comfort of his home with his family by his side on Thursday March 26, 2020.
He was born on February 7, 1950 in Norwich, NY to Albert and Elizabeth (Arnold) Anderson.
Arnie attended Webutuck High School in Amenia, NY.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1969 – 1970. At the end of his Vietnam tour he was stationed with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC where he attended non commissioned officers training school and leadership training. He was later reassigned to Manheim, Germany where he served with the Battalion Honor and Color Guard before being honorably discharged in 1971.
He returned home and married Helen (Ploof) Anderson in Copake, NY on April 10, 1971. For over 20 years he was employed as an owner/operator cross country truck driver. After retirement he furthered his education by returning to Columbia – Greene Community College where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1996 and became a member of the International Honor Society.
Arnie was very active in his community and surrounding area’s. He served on the Columbia County WW II Armed Services Committee, Honor A Vet Committee, Vietnam Veteran’s Association and the Northeast USA Vietnam Veteran’s Reunion Committee. He was a member of the DAV Post #194 and the American Legion Post #178 in Millerton, NY. Arnie was a founding and Life member of Copake VFW Post #7955 where he served as commander, quartermaster and was instrumental in starting the adopt a family program. He was also a member and past commander of the Rip Van Winkle County Council VFW and past commander of District 3.
He was also very active with local Emergency Medical Services and the Community Rescue Squad of Copake as an EMT, CT AEMT – 1. Arnie was an assistant New York State EMT instructor, New York State First Responder instructor, Certified CPR instructor, an instructor for standard and advanced First Aid courses. He was also certified in Advanced Life Saving and Water Safety. Arnie spent over 30 years as Medical Coordinator at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival with his good friend Howard Randall.
Arnie enjoyed camping at Donaldson’s Campground in Saranac Lake, NY, fishing, hunting and hiking, spending time with family and watching Survivor with his granddaughters. He had a special affinity for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Surviving are his wife Helen Anderson of Ancramdale; his children, Melissa (Danny) Cosme of Winter Haven, FL, Arnold Anderson Jr. of Ancram, Bobbie Jo (Jason) Mato of Copake and Joseph (Tammy) Scutt of Ancramdale. He also leaves his grandchildren, his girls Vanessa, Hethar and Amelya Scutt of Copake; Ariyanna Anderson and Ryan Cosme of Winter Haven, FL, Courtney (Chris) Hernandez of Beacon, NY and Amya, Dylan, Ashlyn and Isabella Anderson of Ancram. In addition he leaves his siblings, Thuvia Hawver, Robert (Colleen) Anderson, Kenny (Linda) Anderson, Andrew (Colleen) Anderson and Alan (Marleta) Anderson. He was pre deceased by a sister, Sandy Marshall. Arnie also leaves many nieces and nephews and childhood best friend, Jim Hoysradt.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday July 25, 2020 at 12 Noon at the Copake Cemetery. The family will receive visitors also at cemetery from 10 – 11 AM
In keeping with the family’s wishes and in lieu of flowers kindly consider memorial contributions to the Albany Fisher House, 113 Holland Ave. Albany NY 12208. (www.fisherhouse.org) The Fisher House serves as a home away from home throughout the United States for family members to stay at no cost while visiting their loved ones in Veteran Administration Facilities.
