Andrew J. Gnoinski Jr.

Andrew John Gnoinski, Jr., 73, of Schenectady, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 14, 2026. Born on January 31, 1953, in Niskayuna, NY, Andy was the only child of the late Andrew and Ramona (Martinez) Gnoinski. He devoted his life to his loving wife and family, his community, and the causes he held close to his heart.

Andy grew up in Scotia, NY, with his parents and graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1971. He went on to take several courses at Hudson Valley Community College before beginning what would become a 44-year career with General Electric as a journeyman carpenter and certified hourly Black Belt.

Throughout his career at GE, Andy was deeply committed to his coworkers and union community. He served for many years as Chairman of IUE-CWA Local 301, spent 18 years as editor of the Local 301 News, and served on several standing committees. From 2009 until his retirement in 2016, he served as the IUE-CWA Local 301 Assistant Business Agent. His dedication to his work and his fellow employees was a defining part of his life.

That same dedication extended far beyond the workplace. Andy devoted much of his time to volunteer efforts in his lifelong home of Schenectady County. His volunteer journey began with the American Red Cross before he found lasting callings with Concerned for the Hungry, United Way of Schenectady County, and March of Dimes. The depth of his commitment to Schenectady could be measured in decades: 46 years with Concerned for the Hungry, 26 years with United Way of Schenectady County/Greater Capital Region, and 23 years with March of Dimes.

A natural leader and tireless community champion, Andy served as Co-Chair for the IUE-CWA/GE United Way workplace campaign from 1990 to 2016 and as the IUE-CWA/GE Team Leader for the March of Dimes Walk America campaign from 1998 to 2016. In both roles, his personal commitment inspired others, helping raise several million dollars for each organization while consistently exceeding established fundraising goals.

Perhaps no cause was closer to Andy’s heart than Concerned for the Hungry. As Co-Chair of its Annual Thanksgiving program, he helped guide the organization through tremendous growth and numerous challenges, including several program relocations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many years of scrambling to secure enough food and turkeys to feed local families. From the beginning, Andy proved himself to be a tireless advocate for those who needed someone in their corner, and he continued that crusade until the very end. He was known for his persistent advocacy, unwilling to accept a "No" until that "No" came from the very top. However, he was rarely met with a "No" because it was impossible to not be moved by the passion he exuded for the causes that he cared about. Andy loudly and proudly wore his heart on his sleeve for the betterment of the community he called home.

Outside of his professional and volunteer life, Andy had many interests and passions that brought him joy. His infectious smile was unmistakable, and every conversation with Andy was filled with laughter. He was most often found behind the camera, capturing each milestone and all the special moments in between. He was an avid bowler who loved the game and cherished his league-mates—all while sporting some of the coolest and most colorful pants on the lanes. Despite being allergic to cats and dogs, Andy had an enormous soft spot for animals and was known for rescuing countless critters throughout his life. He loved tending his garden and making fresh salads topped with his father's dressing recipe. Endlessly creative, he adored making crafts with Sue and could fix just about anything. Andy also had a lifelong love of cars and racing. He was involved with several racing teams, spent countless hours tinkering under the hood, and could often be found watching and cheering for his favorite drivers. He especially loved American-built cars and was, through and through, a proud American.

Above all else, Andy loved his family. At the heart of his life was Sue, his sweetheart since they were 16 years old and his wife of 52 years. Their lives were deeply intertwined, shaped by more than five decades of love, loyalty, laughter, and an enduring devotion to one another. His stubbornness met its perfect match in her patience, and together they built a life centered on family. Andy cherished his daughters and grandchildren deeply, attending every recital and every game he could, and proudly sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. As life carried some of them farther from home, he never let distance stand in the way of making sure they knew how deeply they were loved. Of all the roles Andy held throughout his life, perhaps none brought him greater pride or joy than being “Papa.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Gaige) Gnoinski; his daughters, Darci Gervaise (Christopher), Marissa Haase (Tyler), and Kelsey Carr (Brian); his grandchildren, Austin, Ryan, and Isla Gervaise, Avery and Brynlee Haase, and Oliver and Sadie Carr; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.

A procession will depart from the funeral home at 1:45pm  on Friday, August 21, 2026, to Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie, where a graveside service and interment will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Andy’s memory to his lifelong passion project, Concerned for the Hungry, at www.concernedforthehungry.org