George Andrew "Andy" Feld

On Saturday, August 20, 2022, George Andrew (Andy) Feld, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC at the age of 83 with his family by his side.

Andy was born in Bronxville, New York, on June 20, 1939 to the late Charles A. and Jeanne D. Feld. He grew up with his older sister, the late Margaret “Peggy” Meinzer, in Scarsdale, New York. During his childhood, he flourished as a Scout, earning the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout. He had endless curiosity and love for nature, thanks to his mother, Jeanne. Adventures with friends and family were frequent, including sailing in a boat he built with his father on the Long Island Sound or fishing and canoeing on Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine. He began his collegiate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) in 1957. He took a two year break from college while serving in the Army in Würzburg, Germany. Upon returning home, he completed his college education at OWU in 1964, where he met the love of his life, Kathryn Newman. The story goes that he said “I love you” before their first official date. Andy and Kathy were happily married for 58 years and after retirement enjoyed many adventures together. The motto they lived by was faith, family, friends and do unto others as you would have them do to you. Love your neighbors, grow, learn, travel, reach out, listen, communicate, and timing is everything. Andy was her one true love.

Andy was a devoted father to Julie Feld, Jody Feld, Kristen Feld, father-in-law to Tara Sheehan, father-in-law to Eddie Hartley, grandfather to Alexandra Rodier, Kathryn Rodier, Andrew Butsch and Emma Butsch, and uncle to three nieces and five nephews. His primary goal in life was to provide for and protect his family, which he accomplished without question. He kept his family active, outdoors, and living an adventurous life with him at the helm. He followed his passions and encouraged us and others to do the same. He found great joy in maintaining and enjoying the peace and beauty of his “Little Piece of Heaven”, the family camp on Kezar Lake, in Center Lovell, Maine. You could always find a dog by his side, running ahead of him, or chasing a frisbee thrown at least 50 times a day, a border collie must.

Andy was a proud, dedicated, and honorable small businessman, Rotarian, community leader, and mentor. As a small businessman, he operated three service stations around Baltimore, MD. He was dedicated to the success of his businesses and to his employees and their families. He fought for the rights of small business owners locally and nationally. Andy gave back to his community by giving of his time, providing generous donations to organizations that impacted his family and community, giving meaningful or goofy gifts to make someone smile, providing jobs and food to those in need, and serving in the church. As a Rotarian, he worked collaboratively to build and serve his community. Through mentoring others in both formal and informal settings, he found joy in assisting the next small business person to succeed, a student flourish, or a friend enjoy a new pastime. He LOVED connecting with people, sharing his interests and passions, while learning about theirs.

An avid sportsman, Andy participated in sports and outdoor activities throughout his lifetime. He played high school football, coached his daughters’ sports recreation teams, enjoyed fishing with his Lovell friends, cheered on his granddaughters playing tennis, softball, and horseback riding, enjoyed fishing and building a boat with his grandson, became a University of North Carolina “Tarheel” and then Elon University “Phoenix” sports fanatic, and most recently watched European “Football” League on television with his dear friend. Kathy would hear a knock on the door, “Andy, the match is on in 10 minutes.”

Last but not least, Andy was a revered practical joker, which many can attest to. His daughters’ friends growing up were convinced that he rode in a covered wagon and walked backwards up a hill to school. His neighbors and friends in Maine always expected a special greeting when they arrived for the summer including flamingos, large stuffed animals, a rabbit hutch, or unique signs placed on their property.

Andy’s Prayer: God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, and when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, when in the Lord’s safe landing net and peacefully asleep, that in His mercy I be judged, big enough to keep.

Andy was truly beloved by his family and friends from North Carolina to Maine.

A celebration of life will be held in Burlington, North Carolina and in Center Lovell, Maine in the near future. More details will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Rotary Foundation. These should be mailed to Clayton Rotary, Attention: Kristen Feld, PO Box 462, Clayton, NC 27528.