Andrew Edgar Hare

Andrew E. Hare – son, brother, uncle, husband, son-in-law, father, grandfather, and United States Marine – died on February 18, 2022 with family by his side. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia on February 15, 1925, Andy was the sixth of nine children and second of five sons. Andy served in a U.S. Naval amphibious force in the Asia-Pacific theater in World War II and joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve when he was discharged from the Navy. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, USMC, upon graduation from Bethany College (West Virginia) in 1949. Andy served in Korea, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and in Viet Nam. He was also stationed in Okinawa and at posts in the U.S. and Central America. After his service in the Marine Corps, he worked as a lobbyist for various organizations. He later was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary, Congressional Liaison, in the Department of Health and Human Services during the Reagan administration. A Master Gardener, Andy finished his working career as a gardening expert at Hechinger’s hardware store, where he advised shoppers on all manner of gardening issues—something he greatly enjoyed. Andy was married for sixty-four years to the love of his life, Ruth, to whom he remained devoted. He is survived by daughters Carol (Bruce), Catherine, and Eleanor (Adan), and grandchildren Grace (Chris), Andrew (Mercy), Cary, Jasper, and Keagan. Andy loved gardening, wood-working, and surf-fishing. He was a long-time member of Army Navy Country Club, where he enjoyed playing tennis with his wife Ruth and many friends. He was a loyal and devoted husband, father, and grandfather; his favorite times were those spent with family. He was a gentle soul who treated everyone with kindness and respect and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery is planned.