George Harold Andrews, Jr.

George Harold Andrews, Jr., died peacefully Monday, October 12, 2026, with Marlene, his wife of nearly 71 years, at his side. He was 94. He lived a life filled with compassion and love for his family and his community. George was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1932 and grew up in Hartsdale, New York, where he became an Eagle Scout and graduated from White Plains High School. He then matriculated at Oberlin College, the fifth generation of his family to do so. There he played center on the football team, swam freestyle for the swim team, and served as president of the Class of 1954, graduating with a degree in mathematics. A year later he earned his master's degree in mathematics at the University of Michigan and joined Connecticut General in Hartford, Connecticut, as part of its actuarial program. It was there on his first day of work (July 5th) that he met Marlene 'Pete' Erickson. They were married later that year in her hometown of Chisholm, Minnesota. George was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, completing basic training at Fort Dix and serving at Fort Detrick in a computer modeling group. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the University of Michigan and completed his PhD in mathematics in 1962, with a dissertation titled Periodograms of Graduation and Subtabulation Operators, subsequently joining the faculty at Oberlin College to begin a distinguished teaching career. George excelled as a much beloved and highly regarded mathematics professor at Oberlin for 35 years, many of them as department chair, and was instrumental in creating the college's Computer Science Department. He served on Faculty Council and for years was Oberlin's NCAA Faculty Representative, where he advocated for an appropriate role for intercollegiate athletics, including expanded opportunities and programs for female athletes. During his sabbatical research, he wrote actuarial monographs demonstrating improvements to the U.S. Social Security system that would extend its fiscal viability by an additional 50 years. He also co-wrote the examinations that aspiring actuaries must pass to enter the profession. After he retired from the mathematics department, then-President Nancy Dye coaxed him back to serve as Oberlin's Athletic Director for 18 months, during which he revitalized several athletic programs. George stayed active throughout his life. He rode his bicycle into his 90s and built/repaired bikes for students and neighbors along the way. He was an elite softball player, but he spent far more time attending and coaching youth sports, including countless games featuring his own children and grandchildren. He volunteered as a Calculus teacher at Oberlin High School and led or joined service/mission trips to the Cheyenne River Reservation, Appalachia, and Mexico. He joined First Church in 1963, where he sang in the choir and served on many committees, and he served multiple terms on the Kendal Board of Directors. He engaged in informal problem solving as part of the faculty 'plumbers' group, and he relished social pursuits at Kendal, including several musical groups. He and Pete enjoyed many activities together, including Danforth Foundation conventions, the First Friday friends, and skillful bridge play. George loved to travel with his family, whether camping, RVing, or flying. He was an accomplished pilot who earned private, instrument, multi-engine, and commercial ratings and licenses. A favorite destination was the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River, where his grandfather established a family compound in 1906 and where George and Marlene's descendants still gather. His love of 'The River' was infectious; it was all about family, fun, and maintenance projects. George and Marlene's final resting place will overlook the St. Lawrence. George is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene 'Pete' Erickson Andrews; and many descendants, including four children, Erik (Michele), Geoff (Cindy), Elise (Bill), and Chris (Katie); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Also close to the family are exchange student Colombian daughter, Monica Fuquay and her three children; and AFS Australian daughter, Bronwyn Orr Stephens. He was preceded in death by his parents, George H. Andrews, Sr., and Marion Downing Andrews; and his older brother, Charles Andrews. A Celebration of George's Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken, Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com