William Andrew “Andy” McKay
July 2, 1946 - April 6, 2026
William Andrew “Andy” McKay, age 79, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on July 2, 1946, he was a son of the late William Thomas McKay and E. Elizabeth (Colwell) Williams. Andy was a graduate of Conrad High School and the University of Delaware, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in business. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Andy made his career as a budget analyst at Chrysler Corp. for 38 years until his retirement in 2003.
Andy had a passion for books. He spent his free time collecting Civil War books, in addition to publishing two books of his own. Andy was also a founding member of the Delaware Bibliophiles. Andy was a history buff, he enjoyed being a board member of the Delaware Historical Society and a member of the Lincoln Club of Delaware. He had an appreciation for the arts and was a ticket holder to the Playhouse on Rodney Square for 35 years. Andy also enjoyed being a season ticket holder to cheer on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. He gave back to his community as a dedicated volunteer at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery. Andy loved to travel and especially looked forward to trips to Gettysburg, PA and Nashville, TN.
In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Ann Hutchens and Jay Clark McKay; and stepfather, Harvey Williams. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lidia F. (Kluger) McKay; children, Rebecca Wilcox (Bryan) and Patrick McKay; grandson, Tyler Wilcox; 5 nieces; and 2 nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 pm until 5 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026, on the 2nd floor of the Deer Park Tavern, 108 West Main Street, Newark, DE. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy’s memory to the Delaware Historical Society, 504 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 or online by clicking here.
martha fitzpatrick / Hal Stoddart
We’ve shared lunches with Andy & Lidia and will miss his interesting stories.
We heard much about his knowledge & history of Delaware. He told Hal that if you have “Old” pictures you want to keep, PLEASE put their names on reverse side. It will save you lots of frustrating research. Lesson learned.
Joe, Sue Hudson and Family
Dear Lidia, Rebecca and Patrick,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, so sorry for your loss. We will remember all the great times we had together at soccer games. Andy was a true soccer fan, we all standing with smiles on wins and shaking our heads in losses.
Again, so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing, God be with him and be at peace.
Joe, Sue Hudson and Family
Wendy Marques
Your dad was always so kind and welcoming. I’ll miss his sense of humor and interesting stories. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Bonnie Baggett
So sorry to read of Andy’s passing.
During my time as a member of the Delaware Bibliophiles, Andy was so helpful and the meeting held at his home with a tour of his fabulous collection of Civil War books a real treat. A truly nice and interesting man.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Bonnie Baggett
KAROLINA i ARTUR
Dear Lila, Rebecca and Patrick e are deeply saddened by your loss. Andy will remain in our memories as a very witty and passionate man.
Matthew Sweetman
Lidia and family – I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Andy. We shared many conversations and stories over cocktails and Guinness draft beers at Timothy’s. Praying for the McKay family during this difficult time.
Sandra Wilcox
Andy and I shared a couple of things, a wonderful family and the same great birthdate, July 2, 1946, a couple of baby boomers. He was very knowledgeable about many things, but sometimes he could not quite understand what I was saying, not sure why, except possibly my Massachusetts accent! I was envious of his beautiful head of hair. Instead of good -bye, I’ll just say, see ya lata Andy.
Karen Jones
Lydia and family, I would like to express my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless!
Jean Phillips Skelly
I’m so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Class of 64 will miss him.
Erin Lee
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. McKay’s passing. We are thinking of all of you! Much love, Erin Carew Lee
David Wilcox
At family gatherings Andy and I were partners in games of horseshoes. We shared the love of our mutual grandson, Tyler. Andy always had an interesting story to tell. Andy was always kind and soft spoken. As a writer of history he now passes into history. He will be missed.