Andy CloseDonald James Andersen Sr., 90, of Russell, PA, passed away at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House on Feb. 7, 2022. Donald was born on Sept. 20, 1931, in Warren, PA, the son of the late Christian M. Andersen and Catherine Walton Andersen.
Don was a lifelong area resident and a 1949 graduate of Warren High School. He also attended Penn State University at Behrend. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea during the Korean War. Don worked as an Iron Worker in 38 different states and was a member of the Local 348 Iron Workers where he received the 65-year pin.
Don was always quite an athlete, wrestling during his school years, playing football for the U.S. Air Force team, was a previous Golden Gloves boxer, enjoyed bowling, and was also a member at Blueberry Golf Club and Cable Hollow Golf Club. Don was a member of the North Star Masonic Lodge #241 and a member of the Russell Volunteer Fire Department. Don loved his many dogs through the years, especially the dachshunds Otis, Baron and his faithful Snaps who is left behind in the care of Ann. He also enjoyed daily crossword puzzles, but especially enjoyed his family and those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Ann R. Swanson, whom he married on June 1, 2019; children, Donald J. Andersen Jr. and companion Nicki of Hiram, GA, Jere Andersen of Youngsville, PA, Jeffrey Andersen, and companion Jill Christensen of Warren, PA, Jay Andersen and wife Lin-da of Russell, PA, Melanie Firth and husband Benjamin of Anchor Point, AK, Todd Swanson, and wife Lori, and Jill Martone and husband Edward, both of Russell, PA; grandchildren Samuel Andersen and wife Billie Jo, Jamie Andersen, Diedra Stewart and husband Dustin, Damon Andersen, Heather Christensen, Dustin Andersen, and wife Tiauanna , Eric Andersen, Aurora Fagan and husband Tim, Barnabas Firth, Sarah Firth, Silas Firth, and wife Leslie, Josiah Firth and wife Brittany, Anna, Aspen, and Haven Firth, Carly Martone, Jared Martone, and Preston Swanson; many great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death on May 23, 2016, by his first wife of 64 years, Diedra C. Andersen; brother Christian Andersen; a sister Ladora Goodard; and three grandsons, Jeremy Michael Andersen, Jody Scott Andersen, and infant Jeremy Paul Andersen.
Friends will be received at the Peterson Blick Funeral Home Inc, 1003 Penna. Ave. E. Warren, PA, on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, from 1 to 2 pm, at which time a funeral service will be held with Samuel Andersen, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Paws Along the River.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.
