CARTHAGE, NY — Karl Andrew “Andy” Mider, 81, of Carthage Center in Carthage, NY, passed away Dec. 10, 2018.
Born Aug. 3, 1937, in Watertown, the only child of Karl Arthur Mider and Mary Lucille Joynt, he graduated from Watertown High School and received a bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College, as well as serving in the United States Army.
He is a former resident of Watertown and Sackets Harbor.
Andy was married to the love of his life, Stephanie Louise Wells, on Jan. 19, 1989. They were married 29 years.
Andy was a well-known jazz and classical musician throughout his lifetime, playing clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon for a number of ensembles. These included Frank Sacci’s Big Band as both ensemble performer and featured soloist, Swingtime, Seaway Swing, Morning Musicales, Northern Choral Society, and countless jazz, woodwind, and brass ensembles. Andy performed all over the North Country, Canada, as well as a tour through England and Wales. He was honored for his tireless charity work entertaining at local nursing homes and for Hospice, as well as his work with many other charitable organizations. Andy’s kindness, gentlemanly manners, and terrible puns will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Andy is survived by his beloved wife Stephanie; his stepdaughters Susan (James) Yerdon of Adams Center and Barbara (William) French of Rochester; grandsons Timothy (Morgan) Elmer of Maryland and Matthew (Sarah) Elmer of Liverpool; great-grandson Rowen Elmer; first cousins Joseph (Cori) Brett of Arizona, Thomas (Bennett) Brett of Virginia, Stephanie Halferty of Watertown, Andy (Barb) Joynt of California, Margaret (Gene) Parker of North Carolina, Clark (Joanne) Whitney of Florida, and Katherine (Joe) Young of Arizona. He was predeceased by his close cousin Claire Hayes. Andy is also survived by many other cousins, fellow musicians, and a wide circle of friends.
Calling hours will be held 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 632 State St., Watertown. The funeral will take place 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop St., Watertown. All friends and family are invited to attend. There will be a graveside burial service in the spring at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andy’s name may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com
