Obituary of Andrew S. McTague

THURMAN: Andrew “Andy” Scott McTague (44), a true Thurman legend passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 while riding his treasured motorcycle with his beloved friend.

Born July 29, 1979 in Glens Falls, New York to Esther and Patrick McTague, Andy grew up on River Road in Thurman with his brothers Mike and Danny, attending Warrensburg Central School and graduating in 1997.  Andy was known to many as Al, McSnag, The General or just McTague depending on the acquaintance.

With a love of Country and a heart for service, Andy followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1997, and completing his bootcamp at Great Lakes Regional Training Center in December of that year as the Recruit Chief Petty Officer Seaman Recruit of Division 437.  From there, he was stationed at Gulfport in the Naval Construction Battalion as a Seabee of the Atlantic Fleet.  He traveled the Pacific during his service, working in Korea and Japan.  While stateside, he excelled to become part of special Seabee projects in the Virginias.  He would leave the military after his first tour to pursue a career in the private sector but would return to the Seabees in 2017 as an active reservist.  In typical Andy fashion, he rose rapidly through the ranks, being meritoriously promoted within a year of his re-enlistment and going on to be Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Two-Seven’s Sailor of the Year in 2022.  This past September, Andy was honored by his promotion to Chief Petty Officer.  His impact on the Navy will last for decades as he leaves behind hundreds of Sailors who were deeply inspired by his selfless leadership, tireless work ethic and uncanny ability to just get things done.

In 2009, Andy connected with the love of his life, Kaitlyn Witz.  On June 4, 2016 Andy and Kaitlyn were married near the site of their Thurman home.  By the next year, the couple was blessed with their daughter Lyla Mae – Andy’s pride and joy.  Together they made the perfect “Father/Daughter Team.”

Andy’s enterprising and restless spirit took him to many different companies including Echo Lake Camp Maintenance, Donnelly Construction, NYS Department of Transportation and Warren County in a multitude of positions, including a garage foreman of the Warren County DPW.  His most recent full-time career was as a lineman for Verizon.

During all of this time – while yearning to work in the woods full time – Andy consistently worked independently on side jobs or with local companies, especially Dingman Enterprises for one of his best friends Jeramy, and the Witz Companies with his father-in-law Fred.  Andy helped build and remodel many homes in the area alongside his mentors Jerry Cameron and Ed Carpenter.  His most accomplished project was his own home.

Another testament to Andy’s endless work ethic was Adirondack Services and Maintenance, Andy’s own company that allowed him to work with his father and brothers on standby generators and other projects for residences of the north country.  Many customers enjoyed lively banter among the crew on the job sites, always led by Andy asking “What’s taking so long?” or “Why’d you do it like that?”

Aside from his career(s) Andy was a true outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, hiking, riding and anything with an engine (but absolutely not a boat), sitting on the porch with a beer and some music. Most of all his valued time was spent outdoors was with Lyla.  Andy’s spirit will live on in the beautiful Thurman countryside and his demeanor will carry on in his daughter’s quick wit and sass.  When you find yourself missing Andy, crack open a “Maple Leaf” (Labatt Blue Light) and raise it in Andy’s honor.

Andy is predeceased by his grandparents and beloved Solpanther – the best dog an old boy could ever have had.

Andy is survived by his daughter, Lyla; wife, Kaitlyn; parents Pat and Esther McTague, brothers Mike (Ashley) McTague, Dan (Jessica) McTague; cousins Ryan (Jill) Rapp, Kyle McTague, Tyler (Jessica) McTague and Shannon McTague; aunts Susan Near (Ted Brodowy) and Kathy Wilson (Chet Moskal); uncle Marty McTague; nephews Chase, Clifton and Ryan; niece Parker; In-laws and long time friends of the Cameron Road Commune Courtney and Jarod Beadnell (Kendall), Chelsey and Casey Monroe (Noah and James), Fred Witz and so many other friends and family – you all know who you are.

Honorary pallbearers will include Mike and Danny McTague, Ryan Rapp, Jarod Beadnell, Daric Brown, Jeramy Dingman, Mason Hamilton, Jason Hull, Casey Monroe, Tom Belden and Shaun Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sea Bee Veterans of America, Korner Beehive Attn: SVA Island X-26, 20 South Main St., Villa Grove, IL 61956 or Warrensburg Student Scholarship Association, 103 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please make note:  in memory of Andrew McTague for vocational or trade school students.

Friends may call on Andy’s family on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 11am – 2pm, with a memorial service following visitation at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY. 

Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guestbook and directions.