Kenneth G. Andres, Jr., of Haddonfield, New Jersey, passed away on June 24, 2021, at home.
Ken graduated from Steinert High School, Swarthmore College and Capital Law School. Growing up in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, Ken played baseball, basketball and soccer but soccer became his first love. He played fullback on the famous 1974 men's soccer team which advanced all the way to the NCAA Division III National Championship game and became the first program in Swarthmore history to compete for an NCAA title. The Garnet team placed second in the championship. Ken also played on the 1971 Steinert High School State Championship team. He then went on to referee soccer at the college level, served in many National Intercollegiate Soccer Official Association (NISOA) leadership roles and most recently as the NCAA Secretary Rules Editor. His passion for soccer was a quintessential part of his life. He has been inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame, The Steinert High School Hall of Fame, Swarthmore College Hall of Fame and NISOA/National Soccer Hall of Fame. He also made time to volunteer as a kickers coach for the Widener University football team.
Ken was a very successful personal injury attorney who fought tirelessly for his clients. He was a founding and managing partner of Andres & Berger, active in the legal field as a President of the New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ) and other elected positions. Ken was also an adjunct professor at Drexel Law University where he taught trial advocacy alongside Michael Berger, his law partner of 23 years and close friend. Ken has won multiple awards and accolades for his service to the legal community.
Ken enjoyed spending weekends on the Chesapeake sailing with his wife.
Predeceased by his parents, Kenneth G. Andres, Sr. and Joan Andres; he is survived by the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Karen Andres; his stepchildren, Abby (inspired by Ken's passion for the law and hoping to further his legacy Abby recently graduated from law school), George, CJ (and Shalinka Carr) and Maggie (and Taylor Dearr); and his grandchildren, Jaela and Lincoln. Ken is also survived by his two brothers, David (and Maureen) Andres and Jeffrey Andres (and Joyce McGettigan).
Anyone who was lucky enough to watch Ken in a courtroom fighting for justice for those who had been injured or in the classroom as he taught advocacy or on the soccer field reffing a game realized his gift to identify with his audience and talent to explain subjects in basic language while imparting some of his vast wisdom. Ken will be missed and remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's honor to benefit his beloved alma mater soccer team at Swarthmore College. Gifts will support the Swarthmore Men's Soccer Endowment.
Please make gifts payable to Swarthmore College and mail to:
Swarthmore College
Attn: Gift Records
500 College Ave
Swarthmore, PA 19081.
Please include Ken's name on the memo line of the check. If you'd prefer to make your gift online, please visit
https://swarthmore.advancementform.com/campaign/menssoccerendowment/mini-give.
Click here to watch Ken's speech from the induction of the 1974 Men's Soccer Team into the Swarthmore Athletics Hall of Fame.