David Patton/Democrat-Herald Jerry Andrus during an interview in January 2006.

Jerry Andrus, Albany’s world-famous magician and illusionist, died Sunday at the Mennonite Home. He was 89.

His brother, George Andrus, said Jerry died of cancer. George said a private graveside service will be held this week, and a public memorial service will follow later.

“Among other things, Jerry many times stated that he’d had a good life,” George, 91, said this morning. “He wasn’t morbid about it at all. He wasn’t fighting it.”

Rick Rogers, owner of Movies and Magic in downtown Albany, said Andrus was one of his early inspirations. “I’ve known him to be one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Any child that ever knocked on his door and said, ‘Mr. Andrus, I’d like to see a trick,’ or ‘Mr. Andrus, can you help me with this trick?’ ... I’ve never known him not to stop and take the time to help a child, or an adult, for that matter.”

Rogers said Andrus was considered to be one of the top close-up magicians in the world. He knew illusionists David Copperfield and Criss Angel, performed at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and at shows worldwide, and had spoken at Harvard and Stanford as well as other universities.

His brother said the family moved from Springfield to Albany in 1928, when he and Jerry were boys. He said Jerry never moved far from Albany the rest of his life.

Ring 238 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians held a special Jerry Andrus Day March 18 at the Venetian Theater. Albany Mayor Doug Killin contributed to the honor, proclaiming the day to be “Jerry Andrus Day.”

George Andrus lived next door to his brother since 1979. He said Jerry’s house was the “tightest, fullest house and shop of any place in the world,” packed with moving shelf units, which held Andrus’s many gadgets and inventions.

George and Jerry were two of four siblings. Other than George, Jerry is survived by a niece and nephew — daughter and son of George’s and Jerry’s late sister Lucilia Wiltse.

DH Reader Comments

The comments below are from readers of democratherald.com and in no way represent the views of the Democrat Herald or Lee Enterprises.

Bob wrote on Aug 27, 2007 9:02 PM: " The world of magic has lost a treasure, who will not be soon forgotten by those who knew magic. God has brought a true entertainer into his presence, and I am sure the angels will be amazed. Thank you Jerry " Dan Trommater wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:36 AM: " Jerry was indeed a very special person who touched the lives of countless people, myself included. Not to cause a stir, but Jerry would be the first to point out that he was an agnostic. On a number of occasions he told me that he believed that when he died, that he would just be 'gone'. Of course we have no way of knowing if he was right, but I do wish I could ask him. The world is a darker place without him. " AMAZED wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:14 AM: " I too, am saddened by this news. Jerry Andrus was a master at just about everything he toched... - - The world has indeed, lost a great man. We will miss you. - - My prayers are with the family and friends. " Curtis Frye wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:52 AM: " Jerry Andrus was one of the most talented, giving, and joyful men I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Hundreds of magicians perform the effects he shared, and many more remember his kindness, so his legacy will live on. " Brian Proctor wrote on Aug 28, 2007 5:29 PM: " Jerry was very special to me and many other magicians in the world. He was the last of a very elite few in the last 100 years. I will remember all the times he sat down with me to help me out with some new trick, or just to chat. He was the kindest and most caring individual in the world. Take care Jerry, we will certainly miss you. " Sense of Wonder wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:05 PM: " I saw Jerry Andrus' 3D optical illusions on a PBS program in the late 70s. To this day I remember the sense of wonder at seeing these incredible creations. " John Gilliland wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:49 PM: " I first encountered Jerry's books in England 45 years ago and met him for the first of many, many times six years later when we both lectured and performed at Olympia. For me he has been one of the kindest, most talented, and most inspiring friends I have ever had. Thanks, Jerry - and I hope we'll meet again sometime! " Steve Peterson wrote on Aug 29, 2007 4:59 PM: " My wife and I are so sad to hear this news. Jerry was a great man in many areas. We will greatly miss him. The magic club and the entire magic community has lost a huge asset. Steve Peterson, past club president " Richard Lavengood wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:45 AM: " I can only echo the other comments. I firdt met Jerry a decade or two ago. I was doing Linking Pins at the time. After an late evening lecture, he spent an hour showing how I could improve my presentation. I will always remember losing sleep that night with a wonderful man who was a legend in magic. He will be long remembered. " Miami Marti wrote on Sep 6, 2007 3:35 PM: " Jerry lived a GREAT life, an EVERYONE LOVED HIM. Magicians adored him, please don't think of death as tragedy. Its only tragic if your life sucked! P.S I performed Zone Zero today, an the kids freaked out... Thanx Jerry, I know your smiling up there. Marti, " Brian Foley wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:05 PM: " Jerry, I wish I'd written while you were still alive to thank you for your inspiration. Your magic books and techniques are still years ahead of their time, and your spirit shines through the pages and Ideas. Your freedom of thought was always a breath of wondrous air. Rest well! " Rudy Coby wrote on Sep 12, 2007 10:43 AM: " A great Man and a true LEGEND of Magic - you will be missed. " Randy Morris wrote on Oct 17, 2007 12:43 AM: " I am truly shocked and saddened. I thought that Jerry would live forever. I remember at Michigan Magic a few years back sitting and just chatting with him and picking his amazing brain and sharing ideas. I am a better man for knowing you Jerry. " JAMES KINGSLEY wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:39 PM: " I have known Jerry since 1974 and in that time have shared more than a few adventures with him that I value very much. Through him I met my idols (Blackstone Jr., Andre Kole and many others) and spent time at the "Castle of Chaos" back when the Organ worked. To me he was like a Father and beyond the magic I got to know the man. I found out he loved a "short stack" of pancakes with no eggs (His reason for disliking eggs he stated was "They're icky"..LOL). I am very sad to hear of this Loss to the world.. but I know to Jerry this is only something else to discover for I know he did wonder what was beyond life. Im sure hes still taking notes... I WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND AND I LOVE YOU! " TIM WISE wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:39 PM: " I will have a milk shake in your Honor Sir. For all readers, remember to take the time to share as Jerry did and to embrace the true value of being alive. "

*Member ID: *Password: Remember login? (requires cookies)   You must be logged in to comment. It's free and quick!