Michael E. Anderson

Michael Eshaunasee Anderson, 68, of 1310 Gill Street, Watertown, passed away September 1, 2016, at his home where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 pm Sunday, September 4 at the Hart and Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.

A prayer service will be held at 10:15 am Monday, September 5 at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 am at Holy Family Church with the Rev. Steve Murray officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at North Watertown Cemetery.

Michael was born on February 18, 1948 in Northern Ireland, a son of Argel and Jean Eshaunasee (Barton) Anderson. His family came to the United States when he was a young child and settled in Northern California where he grew up and attended parochial schools.

He entered the US Navy on February 19, 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1972. Michael served three tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seal (Seal Team 2) as leader of his team. He was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Following his discharge he traveled the US as an employee of United Steel Company, working as a bridge builder. In 1994 he followed his dream of a college education, beginning at Jefferson Community College in the Human Services program. He graduated with honors in 1996, achieving the Dean’s List or President’s List during each semester. While attending JCC, he met his wife, Cathy M. Rudd, whom he married on June 8, 1996 at St. Paul’s Church. He then received his Bachelors Degree in 1998 from Suny Potsdam, majoring in Psychology. He worked briefly as a residential counselor at North Country Transitional Living Services Adolescent program, then was forced to retire due to physical disability.
 

Michael enjoyed numerous activities during his life including fishing, hunting, photography and archery. He worked as an archery instructor for a time and received several trophies in competition for his skill in bow hunting. Later in life he developed an avid interest in collecting swords and knives. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of animal causes and a member of the Jefferson County SPCA.

Cathy has been employed at Samaritan Medical Center Emergency Department since 2002.

Among his survivors are his loving wife, Cathy M. Eshaunasee Anderson, a brother, Donald Anderson, CA; a brother-in-law, Melvin R. Rudd, of Cape Coral, Florida, and his companion Karen Trainham, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda L. and Richard L. Merryman, of Adams, two nieces, Susan L. (John) Lietuvininkas and  Debra Merryman, and a nephew, Richard E.Merryman, all of Watertown.

Also surviving him are his beloved dogs, Jessie, Gracie, Maddie Rose and Emma Jean, and cats Bella, Annie and Abbie, all known affectionately as “The Girls.”

His  younger brother Roger Anderson was killed in Vietnam.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com

Donations in Michael’s memory can be made to the Jefferson County SPCA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael E. Anderson, please visit our floral store.