Andrew Cianciotto was known by many names including Andy, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa. Andy passed away surrounded by family and the love of his life Violet Cianciotto at age 91 on Thursday, September 21st, 2023. He was surrounded by family and love throughout his life, which was shown beautifully in the way that his daughters, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren were there with him in his last days. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years Violet (Vi) Cianciotto, his three daughters Chris (Rich), Kathie (Don), and Kim (Kent), his sister Sonia (Ed), his 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Rocky (Josie), mother Eleanor, and father Joseph.
Andy valued family above all else in a truly Italian way. As a child of immigrant parents from Italy, he was raised in a collectivistic way that he passed on to his children and their families. In addition to the strong family values, Andy’s life served as an example of his value of education and hard work. He decided at a young age that he wanted to be a “pencil pusher” rather than work in the coal mines like many others in his small Pennsylvania town. Not only did he achieve this goal, but he received a football scholarship and went to college where he met the love of his life Vi at California University of Pennsylvania. After a beautiful courtship, they were married on January 30th, 1954 and gave birth to their daughters Chris, Kathie, and Kim throughout the next decade.
Andy is a Veteran of the US Navy and had a super long and successful career as an engineer within and outside of the Navy, which included being “Mr. ICBM” and eventually becoming Vice President of TRW (Now Northrop Grumman). He was and continues to be a hero and inspiration to so many in this way, but more so in the way that he lived his life with integrity and love for his family. Andy/Dad/Grandpa/Papa lives on in each of us here today.
A memorial service for Andrew will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pacific Beach – La Jolla Chapel, 4710 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.merkleymitchell.com for the Cianciotto family.
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