Andreas N. Zwald
August 19, 1924 – September 27, 2017
Andreas Niklaus Zwald, “Andy”, passed away on September 27th, after his 93rd birthday. He was born August 19th, to Andreas Zwald and Elisabeth Zwald-Ledermann. He was raised in Meiringen, Switzerland, in the family home, Chalet Alpenblick, where his family were dairy farmers. He was an active participant in the Swiss Calvary during World War II. Andy was a graduate of the University of Burgdorf, in Bern, Switzerland, where he became a Civil Engineer. Upon immigrating to the United States, Andy came across the ocean on the Queen Mary. In preparation for the immigration process, he educated himself, and became quite well-versed, possessing a thorough knowledge of United States history, government, the Constitution, and many other cultural aspects, such as developing a comprehensive understanding of the game of baseball, etc. He became a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
Andy met and married his loving wife, Janet Mary Allender, in the early 50’s, and they resided in San Francisco, California, raising their three daughters, Kathryn, Andrea, and Suzanne. Andy was a building contractor in San Francisco, since 1957 and he was the President of Zwald Construction Co, Inc. He was a proud Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Swiss Technical Society, Zurich, Switzerland. Andy was very proud of his Swiss heritage and his US citizenship, and enjoyed being a resident of San Francisco.
Andy was a person who experienced many chapters in his life. He was an independent, hard-working man of great strength, character and integrity. He was extremely loyal, fair, and well respected by those who had the pleasure to know him. He was a very wise person, who possessed much knowledge, and he was generous in sharing his talents. Andy provided his family with unconditional love, and he was someone who could always be counted upon in our lives. He also enjoyed spending time relaxing with his family in Glen Ellen, and at South Lake Tahoe. Andy also had a very fine sense of humor, which he passed on to all of his family. This quality has seen us all through many challenging times in our lives.
Andy is survived by his two daughters, Kathryn Zwald (Dave Fish) and Sue English. He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Sierra Zwald Fish (Adam Hall) and Tessa Zwald Fish (Alvaro Tapia). In addition, he is survived by the most recent new additions to our family, his wonderful, greatgrandchildren, Noe, Nico, Dominic and Alvaro Jack. Their visits always brought him great joy. Andy is also survived by family in Colusa, and many loving relatives in Switzerland.
Andy is predeceased by both his beloved wife, Janet Mary Zwald, and his daughter, Andrea “Angie”, as well as his brothers, Hans and Werner, from Switzerland.
Family and friends are invited to attend a service in Andy’s honor, to celebrate his life, on Tuesday, October 3rd, at 11:00am, at St. Gabriel Church, 40th and Ulloa, SF. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Janet Pomeroy Center, 207 Skyline Blvd. San Francisco, CA, 94132.