About Andy
Andrew Edward Crapol (“Andy”) was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, on July 11, 1978, the son of Ed Crapol and Jeanne Zeidler. He was blessed to have an older brother Paul, and sisters, Heidi and Jennifer.
Over the next thirty years, Crapol – as he is known to so many of his friends, led an exceptional and compelling life. As a child, Andy and his family had a birthday tradition of singing “The Internationale”, clenched fists held high and proud, to celebrate the coming of each new year – an early sign of his coming academic success and worldly curiosity. From his earliest days, Crapol loved soccer – “the beautiful game”. He remained an avid fan of the Liverpool football club in England throughout his life.
Andy attended Lafayette High School, where he was elected president of the student body and was a star four-year member of the men’s soccer team. He was a young renaissance man with an insatiable appetite for 
learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Crapol also had an insatiable appetite for food, a beautiful characteristic and obviously the result of his need for calories to fuel his energetic life.
Andy spent his university years at the College of William & Mary. He majored in economics and was a beloved member of the nationally ranked William and Mary men’s Division 1A soccer team. During his senior year, Andy won the Coach’s Award, which has been renamed “The Crapol Award.”
After graduating, Andy spent time exploring a legal career in London and Washington, D.C. He soon returned to school and finished his Juris Doctorate in 2005 at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Upon completing his degree, he joined the prestigious international firm Debevoise and Plimpton and practiced first in Washington D.C., and then in New York City.
On January 5th 2009, Andy and Allison Simmons, his beloved longtime girlfriend, were happily married in New York City town hall, with their families in attendance.
There is not enough space on the Internet to delve into Crapol’s achievements, stories, adventures, friendships and loved ones. The mold was broken with Andy Crapol, and we were all enriched by his time with us. The Liverpool football club anthem has become an ode to Crapol’s well-lived life and his contributions to his innumerable friends and family: “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown, Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never walk alone.
Hi, my name is Harshad Daswani. I attended W&M from 1994-1998 and I never met Andy. But I think what you have done here as a family, in his memory, is beautiful, and I am proud to have been at W&M too with Andy.
I love the website. You did an amazing job honoring Andy’s memory. He will truly never be forgotten.
Jeanne & Ed,
I am so sorry to her of your loss. Andy sounds like he was quite a guy!
Herb
Just watched the documentary ~ very moving. So many pics that made me smile.
Prof. Crapol:
I am so sorry. While I never knew Andy, he sounds like a wonderful son, husband, and student.
What a beautiful site you have created!! The documentary was very touching!!!
I never knew Andy, but went to high school in Milwaukee with Jeanne. We had many interesting adventures together.
I was so sorry to read about Andy’s death in the Milwaukee papers. I was surprised to learn that Andy died of esphogeal cancer, as the same cancer took my husband’s life in February 2008. I think it was just dear of his friends to do this website for Andy, so I can learn more about this remarkable young man.
This site is a wonderful tribute to a young man who lived a very rich life — though all too short… My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Travis Ebel W&M ’84
Dear Professor & Mrs Crapol & Allison,
So sorry to hear about your loss. My husband, Paul Dyer (W&M ’96)’s father also passed away from this disease. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Michele Maurer
W&M ’98
Hi Ed, Hi Jeannie, Hi Allison,
Jeannie shared with me yesterday that tomorrow is your birthday Andy. I will sing your birthday song “La Internationale” in your honor and think of you and your family. With great love and admiration, from a childhood friend of your Mom and a new friend of your father and an aspiring friend to your wife Allison. Here’s to you Andy for living a life the way it should be lead and here’s to your family and friends for making it all perfect!!!!
Sorry guys, I thought today was the 10th. I’ll save my singing for Saturday. Love, Liz
Wow, Andy and I attended HS and we had a few classes here and there and we were in Oklahoma. Just want the family to know that he was a humble soul. He was your all American boy next door. He had a good heart and his parents knew that. God bless his parents and keep his spirit alive
So sorry for your loss. His life will inspire countless others.
Ed and Jean –
Not sure if you remember me, but I lived next door to you on Hamilton Street when Andy was born, Jenny babysat my sister and I from time to time. I was only 6, but I was really excited when he came along because I wanted a little brother of my own, but he was close enough, I enjoyed playing with him like he was my own brother. As we both moved on, I followed his accomplishments in the local paper when I was home, I see from the photos he never lost to big beautiful blue eyes! I was shocked when Mom sent me notice of his death, what a huge loss. I was just moved to send a little note when Mom sent this week’s article about Crapolfest. What a great tribute to woderful young man! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Amy Wilson Armstrong
Just heard that Andy passed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. Such a loss.