Andrew Rene Gefre Sr.

Andrew Rene “Andy” Gefre, Sr., 86, of Rotterdam, NY, passed away on March 14th, 2026. Born on July 24, 1939, in Graz, Austria, he was the son of the late Rudolf and Caraline Gefre.

After graduating high school, Andy enlisted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Germany and the Vietnam War, and became an honorable recipient of two Purple Hearts, forever representing his righteous and unwavering sacrifice to the country. He later enlisted into active duty with the National Guard, during which time he aided in the Winter Olympics and earned his rank within the top one hundred recruiters in New York State. Upon his medical retirement and discharge home, Andy found new fulfillment with the U.S. Postal Service, enjoying a longtime career as a local mailman, which he took great pride in and looked forward to everyday.

During retirement, Andy and his wife, Joan Ann, spent the majority of their days on the road in their camping trailer, traveling the States and making countless memories along the way, while always accompanied by their beloved pups throughout the years. At his heart, Andy was a true New York Yankees fan, a whole-hearted dog lover, and a dedicated family man. You could never catch him without one of his sleek outfits, his antique pipe, or a fresh glass of red wine.

In addition to his parents, Andy is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Joan Ann Gefre.

He is survived by his children, Anna Maria (Ernest J, IV) Lefner, and Andrew R. (Courtney) Gefre, Jr., his step-sons, Thomas (the late Beverly) Conto, Jr., and Dennis (June) Conto; his grandchildren, Ernest J. Lefner, V, and David Andrew Briggs, Angela (Taylor) Horvath, Gina (Jason) Ralston, Deanna (Jeff) Francisco, Julie Mercoglan, Elise Conto, Deidre (Michael) Conto, Dennis (Candance) Conto, Jr. and Dylan (Izabella) Conto; his great-grandchildren, as well as his loyal canine companion, Rosie.

The family invites you to join them in honoring Andy’s life on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, with Calling Hours from 9 – 10:30 AM, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM, at St. Madeleine Sophie Church. Burial will be held privately for the family.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rachel and Rocky, for everything they have done over the years for Andy and Joan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Andy’s name to the Purple Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003, or to St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303.