ANDERSON- Harold L. “Hal,” on July 20, 2021. Beloved husband of Mary. Devoted father of Marylee (Ken) Ilchuk, Michael, Bob (Marie), Dan, Kathy (Anthony) Scorcia, Kristen (Chris Juliano), and the late Megan. Cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Erin, Matthew, Emily, Joseph, and Anthony. Dear brother of Henrietta (Charlie) Winslow. Predeceased by loving parents, Flavilla and Henry, and beloved step-mother, Louise. Also loved by many additional family members and friends. Reposing at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Hwy., (1/4 mile west of the Robert Moses Cswy.). Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial Monday 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Babylon, LI. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, LI. Visiting Saturday & Sunday 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Harold “Hal” Anderson, 82, of West Islip, New York, passed away on July 20, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. As a respected educator, coach, and school administrator on Long Island for more than four decades, he will be remembered for the profound positive impact he had on thousands of students, and the kindness, friendship, and mentorship he extended to his colleagues throughout his career. As a beloved husband, father, grandfather and esteemed member of the West Islip community, Hal was known as a genuinely kind, sincere, caring friend to all, who possessed an unabiding love for his family.

Born on November 24, 1938, Hal grew up on the island of Vinalhaven, off the coast of Maine. He learned early the value of hard work and perseverance from his father Henry, his mother Flavilla, and his stepmother Louise, traits that he would later pass on to his children and grandchildren. As a result, success followed him at every turn, and his list of achievements and accomplishments is long. He was a strong student and a standout athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball, his first love growing up, and the place he shared a close bond with teammate, friend and cousin Walt White.. His prowess on the diamond and in the classroom saw him skip a grade in school, allowing him to play varsity baseball as an eighth grader. He would eventually go on to play semi-pro baseball as a pitcher and middle infielder.

At the University of Maine, he was a multi-sport athlete in baseball and cross-country and a top performer in the ROTC program, earning his bachelor’s degree in history and government. As a member of the U.S. Army, he graduated from jump school and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. As an educator, he earned post-graduate degrees in counseling and administration, spent 17 years at Berner High School as a guidance counselor, and was twice named Coach of the Year as the varsity baseball coach at Massapequa High School.

But for all his accomplishments, his legacy lies in the many, many students who loved and respected him, and to this day, continue to remember the positive effect he had on their lives. Whether you were the valedictorian or a struggling student, class comedian, star athlete, accomplished musician, or that kid who always seemed to find trouble, “Mr. Anderson” had the unique ability to connect with students in a way that few could and help them find their way through their school years and beyond. For that, they are forever indebted to him. Perhaps the only place on earth he cherished as much as his beloved Vinalhaven was his adopted hometown of West Islip. A resident for over 50 years, he was a principal at West Islip High School and Udall Road Middle School for 25 years and has a well-earned reputation as a true gentleman, a consummate professional, a class act, a loyal friend and trusted neighbor; someone who others tried to emulate. Hal and his wife Mary raised seven children, all excellent students and standout multi-sport athletes at West Islip High School, and have been staunch supporters of many school, community, and athletic programs.

Hal served as president of the West Islip Association of School Administrators, chairman of the Middle School Transition Committee, and as a member of the West Islip Lionheart Committee. He coached Little League baseball and youth basketball, was a 40+ year member of the West Islip Athletic Boosters Club, a 25-year member of the West Islip High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, of which he was honored as an inductee in 2012, and a member of the West Islip American Legion. He also served as a baseball and softball umpire and basketball referee for many years. A huge sports fan, a dedicated father, and doting grandfather, Hal could always be found on the sidelines not only in West Islip, but across Long Island, and across the country, rooting for the Lions and cheering on the Anderson-Ilchuk-Scorcia clan on countless fields and courts over nearly half a century. He was their biggest fan. Hal Anderson was truly special; an extraordinary man of honor and integrity with a magnetic personality who brought people together. He leaves the world a better place through his spirit and kindness. Hal is the beloved husband of Mary. Devoted father of Marylee (Ken) Ilchuk, Michael, Bob (Marie), Dan, Kathy (Anthony) Scorcia, Kristen (Chris Juliano), and the late Megan. Cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Erin, Matthew, Emily, Joseph, and Anthony. Dear brother of Henrietta (Charlie) Winslow. Predeceased by loving parents, Flavilla and Henry, and beloved stepmother, Louise. Also loved by in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews & many friends

The family asks that donations be made in Hal’s honor to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at www.jdrf.org/donate/ or The Hal Anderson West Islip Memorial Fund to benefit students of the West Islip Public School District 100 Sherman Ave. West Islip, NY 11795