Mr. Andrew William Kramarchyk
Andrew William Kramarchyk passed away on May 14, 2025 with his loving wife Joanne by his side. Born on July 16, 1961. To Eleanor M. (Pike) and Metro Kramarchyk. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two beloved older sisters, Donna Leah Smith and Christina Frances Stamboly.
Upon high school graduation, Andy enrolled at Syracuse University but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit, leading him to return home to Watervliet, NY. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this began a decades-long pursuit of a college degree, a journey marked by perseverance and determination.
A dedicated and hardworking man, Andy often balanced full time jobs while attending college. In 1985 he wed Mary Beck. They welcomed their first child, Katerina (Queens, NY) in 1988, followed by Demetrius (Latham, NY) in 1991. Andy beamed with pride as each child graduated from college, achieving a dream that had long eluded him.
At age 25, Andy became a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. As his children grew, he encouraged their involvement in sports, often stepping in as a coach. He played a key role in founding the Columbia County (NY) Travel Baseball League and served on the Ichabod Crane School Board (NY), eventually becoming president for four years. Additionally, he dedicated nearly a decade to volunteering as a Sunday school teacher.
In 2013, Andy married his high school sweetheart, Joanne DeFreest. True to his nature, he embraced her family wholeheartedly and became a compassionate caregiver to her aging and ailing parents.
At age 50, Andy joined the Colonie Senior Basketball League (CSBL), where he thrived on camaraderie and competition. He later served as the league’s commissioner, a role he cherished for several years.
Professionally, Andy enjoyed a 30 year career in the alcohol beverage industry, culminating in a position in Baltimore, MD. He relished city life, living in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and especially enjoyed attending professional sports games.
Despite his many accomplishments, one goal remained: earning a college degree. In 2020, Andy returned to Siena College, Loudonville, NY and proudly walked across the stage in May 2021, just shy of his 60th birthday. Encouraged by his professors, he set his sights even higher and set out to pursue a Ph.D. in political science. At age 60, he and Joanne embarked on a new adventure, leaving behind lifelong friends in the Capital District to start anew in Columbia, SC, where Andy enrolled at the University of South Caroline (USC).
True to form, Andy immersed himself in his new community. He introduced Joanne to women’s basketball, and together they became die-hard Gamecocks fans, fortunate enough to have season tickets. He quickly found several men’s basketball leagues, building relationships on and off the court.
In the fall of 2021, Andy took a bartending job at Still Hopes Retirement Community, where he forged friendships with residents and staff. After just one semester at USC, he earned a coveted teaching assistant position. A dream come true! In 2022 he joined the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and by spring 2023, he was elected president, thriving in this leadership role.
In November 2023 Andy was diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite this devasting news, he remained his happy, optimistic self throughout his illness – always with a smile and never a complaint. In 2024 he deepened his faith by joining the Knights of Peter Claver at his church, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and became a member of the men’s choir. He remained active, playing basketball as often as he could.
In April 2025, Andy was awarded a Ph.D. in Political Science. Upon conferring the degree, Dr. Ann Vail, Dean of the Graduate School, said, “earning a PhD. is not just about research, teaching and papers, or studying. It is about perseverance, passion and curiosity, all of which make the world better. Andy exemplifies these qualities, not just in academics but in life itself. Through challenges that would have discouraged the strongest among us, Andy pressed forward – not just for the sake of completing a degree, but for the love of discovery and the desire to contribute something meaningful to the world. This intellectual and psychological determination reveals the depth of Andy’s kindness, courage and unwavering spirit. As we celebrate you today, we do so not with sorrow, but with gratitude, gratitude for the knowledge you have shared, the kindness you have shown, and the love you have given. Your journey is one extraordinary resilience, and your story will forever be part of this institution, your field of study and our hears.”
Andy lived each day to its fullest, always seeking new challenges and welcoming everyone as a friend. He was the embodiment of optimism – a true “cup half full” person. His life taught us that we are never too old to chase our dreams. Andy will be deeply missed and never forgotten. His spirit, resilience and unwavering positivity will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Andy’s service will be Friday, May 23, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 2229 Hampton Street, Columbia. The recitation of the rosary will precede the mass at 11:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Kramarchyk Family Foundation at the University of South Carolina c/o The Development Office, Revenue & Compliance, 1600 Hampton Street, Suite 736, Columbia, SC 29208.
JoAnne, Katerina, and Demi. I am so sorry about the loss of Andy. We became friends instantly in the field during our first softball game with the Pewter Mug Tavern team 45 years ago. We have so many fond fun memories. It’s hard for me to accept that he is in a better place now. I am glad that I was able to spend 2 of his final days with him. Rest in Peace Dr. Andy.
Deepest condolences to the entire Kramarchyk family. I only played in the CSBL with Andy for a few yrs but remember him as a truly nice and always happy guy!
Kramarchyk family I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of playing with Andy for many years in the CSBL. Andy was a great gentleman and a leader We’ll miss him on the court but he has some great teammates waiting for him. Keeping you in my prayers.
To Joanne and your family:
At this very difficult moment, I pray that earthly and heavenly angels wrap their wings around you and bring you blessings of comfort. Andy’s legacy of compassion, care, scholarly insight, and social justice will live on in our hearts and minds, most especially those of us fortunate enough to call him our “student.” Although Andy taught me far more than I ever conveyed to him. Affectionately yours…
Joanne and family,
Deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
My Condolences to his family. I played in the CSBL with Andy. I loved his spirit and determination even when we were losing. I enjoyed talking with him on many subjects. He just was so special as a person.
To Joanne and Andy’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The obituary captured Andy’s spirit so well. He truly had a gift for making everyone feel like an old friend. The first time I met Andy was when he was re-assigned to be my teaching assistant. I walked into the classroom and he had already introduced himself to every student who arrived early. The students loved him! Andy was hospitalized that semester and had many students praying for him. They were so excited when he showed up for their poster session at the end of the semester.
When we walked across campus together, we did not go far before Andy ran into a friend who wanted to talk with him. The same was true at the Greek Festiva. His genuine warmth, kindness, and engagement were unique.
He was a remarkable person, and I feel fortunate to have known him. I feel like I knew Andy for a decade, given the depth and honesty of our conversations.
I am also thankful that Andy introduced me to Joanne; he loved her so much! I hope we will remain friends for a long time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Katherine
What a beautiful tribute to a truly kind, funny, and wonderful man. We are so blessed to have had Andy as our friend. His curiosity and love for knowledge always made our evenings together fun and enlightening. He will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers go out to Joanne, Demi and Kat.
Joanne Im so sorry to hear about Andy. His obituary attests to a life well lived but too short for all he wanted to do. I like to think that he and Jimbo are reunited and picking up their friendship in heaven. Thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
Joanne , Demetrius, and Katerina ,Losing a husband and father can be devastating . I’m sorry to hear of Andrew’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Mark
Joanne and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. We loved Andy and will miss him dearly. His obituary captures him, his energy, & his optimistic spirit so well. That spirit will live on in everyone whose lives he touched, including those of us in our department. I’m keeping you all in my prayers.
My deepest condolences for the family’s loss. Andy was truly a beautiful soul who always had a smile and a joke for me.
He shall be deeply missed.
I am very sorry for your loss
Demetrius and family; your dad must’ve been amazing. What a joy to have such a wonderful man in your life. My sincere sympathy to you.
Such a great man! I have so many great memories of him. Rest well my friend, I am so glad our paths crossed.
From all the guys in Andy’s basketball pick-up game group, we loved having Andy with us. We will miss him greatly and think of him often.
Andy was a lifelong friend. He was smart , funny and most of all incredibly interesting.We always picked up right where we left off like there were no gaps in time where we didn’t see one another even though there was. Never meet anyone quite like him. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
That is a beautiful description of Andy’s life. He will be missed in the department. My thoughts are with Joanne and family.
My condolences to Andy’s family. Peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Our sincere sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family and relatives and friends.
Joanne I’m very sorry for your loss. I was in the basketball league with Andy for years. He was a fantastic gentleman will keep you and your family in my prayers.