Hudson Falls, NY – Anson S Piper, Jr, Associate Professor Emeritus of Geology at Adirondack Community College (renamed SUNY Adirondack), aged 92, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2019 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Anson was born at his parents’ home in Eastwood, Syracuse, NY on January 17, 1927. He grew up and attended Huntington Eastwood Public Schools and Syracuse University for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
This legendary soul was a Freemason, a member of Masonic 950, Herschel Argyle 508 (Hartford), and also Scottish York Rites. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #574 of Hudson Falls. Anson was a parishioner of Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls.
An American by birth and philosophy, he firmly believed in our Republic. Anson “Stood in Arms” to defend it in the United States Army in World War II, The Wyoming National Guard, during the North Korean conflict, and civil defense alarms during the Cold War. He voted, paid taxes, and supported its laws.
As a volunteer, Anson worked with youth groups especially The Boy Scouts of America. One of Anson’s most visible and notable attributes to the community was that he conducted school and group programs in Science and “Living History”. He was sought out frequently to hold these programs and always thoroughly enjoyed going into schools and into the public to show and teach others his passions. Those who attended and held these programs loved having him there and listening to his teachings and stories. Anson served on the Hudson Falls/Kingsbury Bicentennial Committee. As Anson aged, he was only able to volunteer at Saratoga National Park, but still did as much as he could, and found great joy in it. One of this man’s most admirable qualities was how charitable he was; he loved giving and never expected anything in return. He would help anyone in need in any way he could.
Anson’s own interests were of course the earth and natural world, hiking, fishing and hunting (he was a member of the Newcomb Sportsman Club for many years). Anson found great companionship and joy in owning dogs, from Springer Spaniels to Yorkies, they truly were his best friends.
Anson S Piper Jr is predeceased by his parents, Anson Smith Piper and Ethel (Peterman). Sisters and their spouses, Bernice (Bob) and Clarice (Bill) Shepard also predecease him. As well as Anson’s former spouses, Gwen and Eileen.
Anson is survived by his six children: Donald Piper (Tammy) of Queensbury, Joel Piper (Annette) of South Glens Falls, Chad Piper (Amy) of Niskayuna, Amy McKee (John) of Whitehall, Jonathan Piper (Wendi) of Saugerties and Anson Piper III (Sarah) of Fort Edward.
Anson is also survived by his grandchildren, who meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment that he could spend with them or speak with them. Many a ride to Boston were had on Grandpa/Pop-Pop’s knee when they were young, and many a German song sung to them; he was so very proud of each: Jared Piper of Glens Falls, Nathaniel Piper of Phoenix, AZ, Alex Piper of Glens Falls, Ian LaRock of Queensbury, Steven Nallie of South Glens Falls, Angelia Nallie of South Glens Falls, Marisa Nallie of South Glens Falls, Delaney Piper of Niskayuna, Brennan Piper of Niskayuna, Connor McKee of Whitehall, Aedin Piper of Saugerties, Caelin Piper of Saugerties, Colin Piper of Glens Falls, and Isabella Piper of Fort Edward.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 and the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
The Herschel-Argyle Lodge #508 and all other Masons are invited to a Masonic service at 7 p.m., following the calling hours.
The Rite of Committal will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Duell Road in the town of Schuylerville.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.carletonfuneralhome.net