Robert Niels Andersen

Robert Niels Andersen, 86

Brunswick - Robert Niels Andersen, 86,of Prout Avenue, died Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at his residence after a brief illness.

Born in Troy, he was the son of the late Niels Andersen and Helen (Petersen) Andersen and husband for 37 years of Marta Jansson Andersen.

He had resided in the Troy area most of his life and was educated at Lansingburgh High School, Middlebury College and the State University of New York at Albany.

As an educator, he taught history at Voorheesville High School, and later worked at the New York State Education Department. He was Professor Emeritus of State University of New York at Albany after a 22-year career as Professor of Education.

He was a member of Christ Church United Methodist in Troy and served as a trustee. After a full professional life, he was active in Literacy Volunteers, a volunteer at Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Board for Small World Nursery School, and a volunteer at Oakwood Cemetery. For 25 years he was a volunteer genealogical researcher par excellence for the Rensselaer County Historical Society. He was a board member of the former Bethesda Home Association. A longtime member of Troy Chromatic Concerts, his exhaustive research corrected and redefined the 100-year history of that organization in 1996 at its centennial. He was an active supporter of music in the City of Troy and was an Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors in addition to his wife include a brother, L. Wesley Andersen of Ft Myers, FL and seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Frances Dixon.

Funeral service will be held Monday, November 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Christ Church United Methodist 35 State Street Troy with Rev. Nina Nichols, Pastor, officiating.

Interment Oakwood Cemetery in Troy.

Contributions may be made in memory of Robert Andersen to Christ Church United Methodist 35 State Street Troy, NY 12180 or Rensselaer County Historical Society 57 Second Street Troy, NY 12180.

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