Contributions made in Russ’s name to MSK Cancer Center will be directed to support Dr. Bernard Bochner's cancer research. In 2006, Dr. Bochner and his team successfully treated Russ's bladder cancer, for which Russ and family are forever grateful.

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Russell S. Andrews, 77, of Beaufort, SC and Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and dog Bailey on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Born in New York City on May 12, 1946, Russ moved to Fayetteville at the age of 4. He attended the Manlius School and later Pebble Hill School where he was elected student body president. Russ graduated from Monmouth College in 1968, and immediately joined Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Advisor. He earned CLU and ChFC certifications, was a life member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, and a partner in Sinclair & Andrews Insurance. Russ served clients for 48 years, enjoying almost all of his relationships. He was a mentor to many and dedicated to serving his profession. As a member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Russ served as the Syracuse Chapter President (twice), NY State President, National Committeeman, and National Political Involvement Chair, and received numerous honors and awards for his service.

Self-proclaimed as “civically obsessed,” involvement in the community was Russ’s favorite avocation, and examples of his contributions to the community are countless. He was active in politics and served as an Onondaga County Legislator from 1994–1998. An avid volunteer, Russ was Commission Chair of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and served on the boards of numerous not-for-profit and civic organizations including FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Erie Canal Museum, Manlius Pebble Hill School (MPH), Sedgewick Farms Tennis Club, and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. For his dedicated service to MPH, in 2011 Russ received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Russ created the Be+ movement to encourage a positive attitude about the community. He was known for his trademark orange and blue Be+ button that he wore proudly and shared with everyone he met.

Russ is survived by his best friend and wife of 19 years, Linda Henley, whom he met through their involvement with the Watkins Glen Race Communications Association, his children Phillip M. Andrews (Dustin Sveum) and Rielly O. Vlassis (Dax), their mother Mary Ellen M. Andrews, and two grandchildren Mira and Rory Vlassis, who inherited his adventurous and fun-loving spirit. Russ enjoyed special bonds with his siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews from the Frawley and Morrow families, Mark Henley (Cindy), and his many lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his parents Marion and Martin, his brother John, and his beloved dogs Shelby and Bess.

Russ was loved by many. To know him was to be inspired by his generosity, independence, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Russ leaves his friends and family with a legacy of rich memories and a sense that they all played a vital role in a life singularly lived. Russ, you had a special purpose in your life; rest peacefully knowing you fulfilled it well.

Russ requested that his remains be donated to the Medical University of South Carolina for the advancement of medical science. He wished to forgo calling hours and services in favor of a celebration of his life, which is being planned for mid-May in Syracuse. To honor Russ in the meantime, please contribute in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Be+