Andrew was the son of Filippo and Providenza Sanfilippo, immigrants from Sicily, Italy. He grew up surrounded by a large family and friends many of whom were also from Italy. He attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Brooklyn and joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He was stationed in Kwajalein Atoll one of the Marshall Islands in the south pacific during his short enlistment and was honorarily discharged. Upon returning home Andrew began his professional career as a commercial kitchen designer which spanned over four decades. Some of the highlights of his career were the design of kitchens in famous casinos, large hotels, and cruise ships. He also worked in the design of officers’ and NCOs’ clubs while employed at the Naval Ship Stores Office in Brooklyn, NY. Andrew was well known in the business for his accuracy and ability to work quickly, making him famous within the industry.
He was married in 1955 to Joan Notico and they had 4 children: Philip, Andrew, John, and Tracy. In 1968 the family moved from Staten Island, New York to Coral Gables, Florida. Andrew relocated from Homestead, Florida to Jacksonville in 2007 after retiring at age 80.
During his life he enjoyed his family, photography, painting and gardening. Andrew always enjoyed singing and was a member of many choirs over his lifetime. These included spiritual, secular as well as barber shop quartet. He also enjoyed playing the trumpet and harmonica. His favorite instrument was harmonica which he began playing as a young boy.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and attended Holy Family Catholic church.
There is one thing that stood out about Andrew’s life which was that he was always well liked and was one of the friendliest and kindest people that you could ever meet.
Andrew is survived by his children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, September 3, 2021 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30am on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Interment will take place at 9:30am on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Tunnels to Towers Foundation - https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, (904) 288-0025.
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