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RPA Mourns the passing of Andy Hale

Andrews (Andy) B. Hale, 35 year dealer and 20+ year proprietor of "McLeod Stamp and Coin Company" of Rochester, NY, died at his home June 20, 2001 of lung cancer. He was 72, and is survived by his son, Brooks Andrews Hale of New York City; a sister, Anne Hale Johnson; a brother, William B. Hale and his wife, Patricia F. Hale; several nieces and nephews. Services were held on Saturday, June 23, at 4 PM at the Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue.

He was a highly respected dealer of worldwide material in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Far East. He attended shows throughout the northeast and Canada. His shop on 2423 Monroe Avenue is the largest of its kind in upstate New York.

Besides being an honorary and life member of the Rochester Philatelic Association, Hale held several positions with the club, including president, board member, and chairman of the ROPEX Stamp Show. His support and patronage assisted the purchase of the club's exhibit frames over a dozen years ago. The ROPEX "Andy Hale Award for Philatelic Excellence" was named in his honor in 1998. He jointly held American and Canadian Stamp Dealers Association memberships, as well as that of the American Philatelic Society. As for coins, he was active in both the Rochester and American Numismatic Associations.

The Rochester community mourns Mr. Hale's loss as a philanthropist. He was active in many charitable organizations and educational institutions, including the Rochester Rotary Club and its Sunshine Camp, WXXI Public Broadcasting, the Al Sigl Center, Boy Scouts of America, Russian LINKs (a high school student exchange program, Roberts Wesleyan College, University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology. Through the years he donated many millions of dollars to these groups while additionally sponsoring countless college scholarships and helping out small businesses.

Andy was very active with the Rochester Rotary Club and in March 2000 was named "Rotarian of the Year." He worked all 24 years at the Rotary Club Food Tent at the LPGA Golf Tournament at Locust Hill.

He was also a veteran of the Korean War.

Many people knew him as the principal owner of Fox Run Vineyards, Inc. in Penn Yan, NY. His wines won numerous state, national, and international awards.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, 809 Five-Points Road, Rush, NY 14543; or the charity of your choice.