Einar Andersen of Essex Junction, Vt., a longtime Ridgefielder
who was a well-known cabinetmaker, died Monday, June 26, after a
long illness. He was 76 years old.
A native of Sandar, Norway, Mr. Andersen was born on Jan. 16,
1924, a son of Dorthea Oliva and Harald Kristian Andersen. He
grew at the edge of the sea in Norway and when he was only 15
years old, he left home to work aboard merchant ships. During his
career at sea, Mr. Andersen sailed around the world at least
twice.
During World War II, he served aboard oil tankers plying the
Atlantic Ocean and received two medals for his actions in
defending his ship against enemy attacks.
After the war, Mr. Andersen came to New York. In 1945, he met
Veronica Arabell Browse in South Salem, N.Y., and they were
married. After living in South Salem for a short while, they
moved moved to Ridgefield around 1947, living on Perry Lane.
Veronica Andersen died in 1959.
His second wife was Marion Venus Andersen, who died in 1996 after
37 years of marriage.
Mr. Anderson was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. "He did a lot
of work around town and in the area," said his son, John
Andersen of Essex Junction. "He was well-known for his
carpentry skills." Among his more unusual projects was a
custom cover that was long used to protect the Cass Gilbert
Fountain at Main Street and West Lane during the winter.
Later in his career, he worked for Perkin-Elmer in Norwalk,
retiring in the early 1980s.
During his years in Ridgefield, Mr. Andersen kept touch with the
sea by going on fishing trips on Long Island Sound. "He also
used to take us down to Sherwood Island and Compo Beach,"
John Andersen said. "He loved the ocean."
The Andersens moved in 1979 to High Ridge. After the death of
Marion he moved to Essex Junction to live with John, his
daughter-in-law Lynn, and their children.
Besides John, he is survived by three other sons, Robert Andersen
of Channahon, Ill., Ralph Andersen of New Milford, and James
Andersen of Danbury; two daughters, Deborah Andersen of Plymouth,
N.H., and Elizabeth McManus of Ridgefield; 16 grandchildren,
including Mary, Michael and Colleen McManus of Ridgefield; and
three great-grandchildren. A son, James Thomas Andersen, died
before him.
Services are taking place today, Thursday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at
the Essex Alliance Church. Burial will be in Mountainview
Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes
Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Avenue, Colchester, VT
05445.
The Ready Funeral Home in Essex Junction is in charge of
arrangements.