William R. Anderson, a Marine Corps veteran who was actively involved in his Laureldale, Pa., community, died at his home there on Oct. 26. The former East Hampton resident was 76 years old and had kidney failure.
Mr. Anderson, who was known as Andy, was born in Brooklyn on July 14, 1943, to Ross Anderson and the former Mary Harkins, who came here to live not long after. He grew up here and was a member of the class of 1962 at East Hampton High School.
Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and eventually earned the rank of sergeant. He served in Vietnam for 19 months, and “continued to exhibit his military pride throughout the remainder of his life,” his family said.
Sometime after finishing his military service, Mr. Anderson drove a friend from New York to Pennsylvania, where he was set up on a blind date with the former Carol Wise. They were married in 1967 and settled in her home state, where he became a police officer for Cumru Township. He later worked as an officer and firearms instructor for the Conrail Police Department until retiring in the early 1990s.
Mr. Anderson’s community contributions were numerous. He served on the church council of the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Temple, Pa., and later was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Laureldale. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Goodwill Fire Company and a volunteer with the Muhlenberg Ambulance company as well.
His relatives said he loved his pets, enjoyed camping and tinkering in his workshop, “and above all, shared his love and devotion to his family.”
Mr. Anderson’s wife of 53 years survives, as do their children, Jennifer L. Anderson-Wenger of Laureldale and Beth J. Hendrickson of Temple. Three siblings survive, Allen Anderson of Piscataway, N.J., Linda Anderson-Cajigas of Shoemakersville, Pa., and Lillian Anderson, who lives in Florida. Seven grandchildren also survive; the family said he had been excited about the upcoming arrival of a great-grandchild.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, followed by Marine Corps military honors. The family has suggested memorial donations to one of three service-related charities: Veterans Making a Difference, 645 North 6th Street, Reading, Pa. 19601; Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, Pa. 17011, or the Fallen Hero Wreath Program, 42 Nearwood Lane, Levittown, Pa. 19154.
