Andrew Dalton

Andrew John Dalton, affectionately called Rusty by all who knew and loved him, was born on August 15, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York. His nickname derived from his fiery red hair that stayed with him all well into his 40s. Many who knew him well would say there was a fiery temper to go with that nickname. While that may have been true, he was also a gentle and loving family man who was humble, strong and often quiet, with an unmatched inner strength and resolve. His loyalty and devotion to his family was unparalleled and present throughout his life.

Rusty was born to Andrew and Helen Dalton, the eldest of four children. He was born on the two-year anniversary of his father’s return from WWII. The elder Mr. Dalton was awarded a Purple Heart after serving valiantly at Pearl Harbor and the Central Pacific. Rusty had big shoes to fill from birth but heroism and courage came easy. He was made of uncommon grit and athletically gifted. From an early age he jumped in to help take care of his family. He worked hard and played harder. He didn’t pass up an opportunity to go swimming or horse around with his cousins. He was an incredibly intelligent man, who always preferred to learn by living and reading rather than by sitting in a classroom. After he graduated from high school, he opted not to pursue a college degree but rather went to work on Wall Street for the Bank of Tokyo. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Viet Nam. On February 28, 1968, at 20 years old, he landed at Tan Son Nhut air base, joining 1st Battalion, Company C of the Big Red One (First Infantry Division). He flew into Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive. His intelligence stood out there too and leaders encouraged him to become a Sergeant, however Rusty was eager to get home to his family. He had promised his mother he would make it home and Rusty always kept his promises.

Rusty returned to Brooklyn, New York in 1969 and family lore says he told his sister Betty he was going to find a wife and settle down. As fate would have it, he met Anne Callagy, while she was wearing a memorable purple dress, on her 19th birthday, September 21, 1969. After falling in love, they married at St. Thomas Aquinas RC Church on September 25, 1971. Their children soon followed – they welcomed Andrew John Dalton III on March 11, 1972 and Lauren Marie Dalton on April, 19,1975.

Rusty worked for Bell Atlantic for the remainder of his career and quietly held down the fort at home while his wife worked nights as a nurse. He would come home from work to play Mr. Mom, long before it was a Hollywood movie. He enjoyed many lifelong friends he made at Bell Atlantic, many of whom also served in Viet Nam. He retired while working in Network Operations for the Vice President’s Office. It was during his tenure in this office that he would hone is savagely entertaining Annual Christmas Card Letters skills. He played on the company softball team and was an avid sports fan, particularly of the New York Yankees and the New York Rangers. He had been a gifted ball player before the war and there was talk of him being drafted to the minors. Alas, his shoulder blew out. He was a pitcher. He always said, if he went

pro, he wouldn’t have met his wife and then he wouldn’t have had his kids. He loved traditions and always made time for Sunday dinners at his parents’ house, took his children (and eventually grandchildren) to many Broadway and off-Broadway shows and watched every Rangers or Yankees game live when possible - DVR when necessary. He created new traditions once he became a chef extraordinaire, he hosted and attended many a dinner party with friends and family. He was a founding member of the legendary “Mean & Cruel Dinner Club” where many laughs and much wine were shared over the years.

Rusty was a true New Yorker and remained there until he and Anne relocated to San Antonio, Texas in the Fall of 2014. Not much would make a New Yorker move to Texas but his son, daughter-in-law and grandkids needed his help. That’s just who Rusty was. He remained in Texas until his death. While in Texas, he suffered the unimaginable loss of his son in January 2015. He spent the following six years working to fill his grandchildren’s lives with as many happy memories and as much laughter as he could summon.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Anne Dalton, his daughter and best friend, Lauren Dalton, his devoted and loved daughter-in-law, Jennifer Dalton and his most amazing grandchildren, Delany 16, Taylor, 14 and Alexis, 11. He is survived by all of his siblings: Patrick Dalton, Elizabeth Dalton, Maureen Seery (James) and their children Megan Lipman (Roman), parents of Kiera; James Seery Jr. (Jennifer), parents to Tyler, Ryan and Sean. He is also survived by his many loved nieces and nephews including Joseph (Sandy) Carroll, Brian Carroll (Jaime), Katelyn Mulvey (Joe), Jeanne Paige (Chris) and all of their beautiful children. Rusty is also survived by many of his beloved cousins and we are certain that Kenny and Michael were there to meet him in heaven along with his son, parents and grand dog, Penny. While Rusty only lived in Texas for six years, his profound love for Carol and William Wilke and all of their children and grandchildren can never be forgotten.

His kindness, quick wit and warm hugs will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him, especially his wife and best friend, Anne. -

Family and friends may call Schertz Funeral Home at (210) 658-9224 or visit www.schertzfuneralhome.com.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 4:00PM-7:00PM with a Vigil Service to begin at 6:00PM at the Schertz Funeral Home Chapel.

Live Stream Vigil Service

The Graveside Service will be a private service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hope For The Warriors at support.hopeforthewarriors.org.

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