Delores Andy, 79, Temple professor

Delores M. Andy, 79, of East Mount Airy, a former Philadelphia recreation commissioner and Temple University professor emerita, died Friday, June 12, of a liver ailment at Sunrise of Abington.

Born in North Philadelphia, Mrs. Andy was always encouraged by her parents to do well in school, and she exceeded expectations, friends and family said in a tribute.

After graduating from Kensington High School, she completed a bachelor's degree at Cheyney University and a master's degree at Temple.

Mrs. Andy began a 30-year career at Temple in 1974, when she was made director of the Joint Recreation Resources Project under a grant funded by the William Penn Foundation.

The project aimed to coordinate leisure services among the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and Temple in an effort to improve relations with the community surrounding the school.

In 1977, she was appointed assistant professor in the recreation and leisure studies department within the College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Later, she was made associate professor and then professor.

From 1988 to 1992, Mrs. Andy was given a leave of absence to serve as Philadelphia's recreation commissioner. When she returned, she was appointed professor of sport and recreation management.

While she taught in what by then was the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, the students and alumni established an endowed scholarship in her name. When she retired in 2004, Temple awarded her the title of professor emerita.

Mrs. Andy was the city's first female recreation commissioner. She was appointed by Mayor W. Wilson Goode. During her tenure, the city hosted the National Youth Games and established a college-preparatory program for all recreation employees interested in attending college.

She was awarded the Philadelphia Bowl and received the 1999 Achievement Award given by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society in honor of Fred M. Coombs.

The Smith Memorial Playground, for which she served as first president of directors, was one of her favorite philanthropic projects. The playground in East Fairmount Park was created 100 years ago as a place for inner-city children to play, learn, and socialize.

"Delores dedicated years of service and philanthropy for this special oasis that relies on grants and private funding sources," the tribute said.

Mrs. Andy funded a legacy scholarship for a Temple student to attend a Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society conference as a first step toward pursuing a career in recreation. She also paid for 60 Temple students to attend one day of the conference.

One of her passions was the Girl Scouts. As a lifetime Girl Scout, leader, and role model for area girls, she embodied the core values of courage, confidence, and character, her family said.

She was a member of the Juliette Low Society, named for the Girl Scouts' founder. Mrs. Andy reached out to help girls in economically disadvantaged communities who might otherwise have no chance to enjoy scouting, the tribute said.

Mrs. Andy valued human rights and community service. Her mentor, Goldie E. Watson, guided her through the early years of the Model Cities program and the march on Girard College with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and introduced her to the lawyer-activist Cecil B. Moore.

Mrs. Andy was a swimmer and lifeguard at city pools. But she really loved golf, joining the Green's Ladies Golf Club, the first African American golf club in Philadelphia, and serving as its president in 1995 and 1996.

Mrs. Andy also was a member of the Sunday Gals, a social club.

She traveled with her husband, retired Army Col. Charles "Chuck" Andy Jr., until his death in 2010.

She is survived by sisters Vivian Laws and Carol Bluford, and nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service was Thursday, June 25, at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Delores M. Andy Scholarship, c/o Temple University, Alumni Relations and Development, 1810 N. 13th St., 111B Speakman Hall, Philadelphia 19122, or Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Box 27540, Philadelphia 19118.

610-313-8102