Thomas Francis Andrus, 81, of Kirkville, NY, passed away while pursuing his passion for truck sales on January 9, 2026.

Thomas Andrus was born on December 8, 1944, in Elmira, New York, to William G. Andrus, Sr. and Elizabeth Shortsleeve Andrus. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1963 and continued his education at Corning Community College, earning an associate degree. He later received his bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education from SUNY Cortland in 1968. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning, Tom went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design from SUNY Potsdam in 1993.

Tom began his professional career as a mathematics teacher at Cato-Meridian Central School. He later managed food service operations at Syracuse University before discovering his true calling in truck sales at Bender Ford (Syracuse, NY), NYE Ford (Oneida, NY), and Universal Joint Sales (Syracuse, NY). In 1986, he fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream of founding his own business, Tom Andrus Truck & Equipment Sales.

A friend of Bill W. since October 1979, Tom dedicated much of his life to helping others in recovery. He generously gave his time, talents, and resources to individuals and organizations in need, often employing those who needed a second chance. He also remained a devoted supporter of Father Baker's Academy, which he had attended as a teenager. Following the example of his grandfather, Frederick "Pop" Shortsleeve, Tom deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in sharing his passions for animals, trucks, machinery, carpentry, basketball, and music with them. He was an enthusiastic and unwavering supporter of his children's and grandchildren's pursuits, enthusiastically supporting their art shows, athletic events, and theatrical and musical performances.

Tom was outgoing and generous. He was known for his warmth and openness; as his son-in-law Josh fondly remarked, "Tom never met a stranger." He was always cracking jokes, passing out his wooden "Round TUIT" coins and making time to connect with everyone from the teller at the bank to the barista at Dunkin Donuts. He expressed pride in his work including community service supporting Unity Church of Syracuse, leading the remodel of Fellowship Hall, and mentoring and sponsoring people in recovery.

A lifelong learner, Tom was constantly working to improve himself while modeling curiosity and achievement for his family. He embraced technology and computers with remarkable skill, often surpassing his peers. He remodeled homes in Baldwinsville, Russell, and Kirkville, and later discovered his talent for painting, creating many beautiful works of art.

Tom is survived by his former wife, Susan McMillen Andrus; his children, Debbie Andrus (Josh Kovar), Chris Andrus (Christine Mathews), and Mary Andrus (Alexei Van Mourik); and his siblings, Betsy Pierce (Ted Pierce), Kathy Berry (Mike Berry), John Andrus (Dorothy Amarando), and Jerry Andrus (Karen Jennings). His beloved grandchildren who will miss their Grandpa/Grandpee/Pop Pop are Benjamin, Alaina (Jamie), Kelly, Hannah, Connor, Eli, Ella and his great-grandchildren Carter, Caraline and Caleb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William G. Andrus Sr. and Elizabeth Shortsleeve Andrus, and by his siblings, Maryanna Tacka (John Tacka) and William "Gus" Andrus (Paula Tuennermann).

Visitation will be Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 PM, at Falardeau Funeral Home in Baldwinsville, NY.  A Celebration of Life will follow and all are invited to share their stories about Tom and his impact on their lives. Burial to be held in the spring at the family plot in Elmira, NY.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers in Tom Andrus' name to St. Mary's Church, Baldwinsville (https://www.stmarysbville.org/donate), Father Baker's/ OLV Charities (https://www.olvcharities.org/donations), and Unity Church of Syracuse.