Obituary of Andrew L. Knoll

Thurman: Andy (Andrew, Andrea) Lorenzo Knoll, 52, of Valley Road, passed away peacefully Monday, March 6, 2017, with his loving partner by his side, at Glens Falls Hospital, after a heroic battle with brain cancer. Andy was born February 4, 1965 in Naples, Italy and chosen by his adoptive parents from the Ave Gratia Plena Church. After growing up and living in Rome, Thailand, Belgium, Westchester, NY and New York City, he graduated from St. Agnes High School, NYC. He graduated from Paul Smith’s College with an associate’s degree in forestry where he made dear friends and cherished memories. After college, Andy went to work as a logger for Alpine Forestry, then as a Supervisor for Landscape Foresters Ltd. He settled in Thurman and has spent over twenty-five years there raising his daughter, building friendships and enjoying living in the beautiful Adirondacks. After working for the NYSDOT for a few years, Andy, a self-taught computer guru became a computer technician at SUNY Adirondack, followed by many years and many friends at Gore Ski Mountain Ski Center, as IT Manager. Andy was happiest at his hundred acres woods in Thurman, where he turned wrench on cars, planted trees and gardens, mowed, surrounded himself with rescue dogs, ducks, donkeys, and cows, walked his woods, and soaked in his hot tub; if the TV wasn’t on then 70’s tunes were playing. Andy served on the Warren County Democratic Committee, the Thurman Town Board and the Thurman Emergency Medical Services as an ambulance driver. He was a loving partner, a wonderful father, a friend to all with a big, bottomless heart and gorgeous hair. He loved life, was full of fun and laughter, and was our Superman. Now he is our Guardian of the Galaxy. Andy was predeceased by his beloved mother and accomplished artist, Isabel Giampietro-Knoll. He is survived by his soul mate, Melissa Carbone; his daughter and “mini me”, Dakota Knoll and her partner, Nick Giardina; his “adopted” children, Danielle, Jacob, and Zachary Thomas; and his father, Dr. Hendrik Andre Knoll and his wife, Kathleen, of Santa Fe, NM. Friends may call on Andy’s family from 4-6 pm, Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A catholic memorial service will immediately follow the visitation, at 6 pm, at the funeral home, with Father Paul Cox, officiating. The family would like to thank our many friends and neighbors for their support, Drs. Stoutenburg and Frank of CR Wood Cancer Center, Dr. German of Albany Medical Center, and the patient care staff at Glens Fall Hospital Tower 2 for their part in his journey. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Andy’s memory to H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist), P.O. Box 2497, Wilton, NY 12831.