Andrew "Andy" Florentino Jr.

Mr. Andrew “Andy” Florentino, Jr., age 89, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his beloved family. Born into the Greatest Generation on October 15, 1923, Andrew was the son of the late Andrew and Margaret (Laird) Florentino. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Andy served his country as a paratrooper in the “Angels from the 11th Airborne Division” who descended upon the Japanese Prisoner of War camp at Los Banos. On May 6, 1950 he married the former Elvira T. Rintrona with whom he shared a blessed, devoted, and compassionate 62-year union hallmarked by love and respect. For a short time, Andy worked in the warehouse at Markson’s Furniture Store, and for many years he held a construction position with the Nole Construction Company. He also worked alongside his wife and her family at the renowned Rintrona’s Bakery. He lastly held a position as an assistant custodian with the Utica City School District, the position from which he retired. Mellow and quiet by nature, Andy was protective and devoted to his cherished wife and family, especially his grandchildren. His favorite pastimes included fishing on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY, taking trips to Florida to visit with family, and frequently dining out with his wife. He also found great joy in reminiscing with his family and friends about his military service. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Andy is survived by his wife, Elvira; his daughter Marguerite A. Ventura of Utica; and his grandchildren, Jamie Ventura, Andrea and Anthony Faccioli and their son Santino; Erica Lyon, and Amanda Ventura and her son Jovanni, all of Utica. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Joseph Zegarelli of FL; his brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Paula Florentino of Frankfort; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Gloria Rintrona of Utica. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Anthony Brescia, and Elizabeth and Louie Fierro; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Yvonne Florentino; and his in-laws Clement L. and Doris Rintrona, Rocco Sr. and Lena Rintrona, Albert Rintrona, Louis D. Jr. and Vincenza “Chancey” Rintrona, Paul and Rose Cozza, and Aurora and Joseph Mangano. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU, and Dr. Naji El Khoury, for all the care and compassion shown to Andy and his family. Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Andrew’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 from the funeral home and at 2:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark P. Kaminski, with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Andrew "Andy" Florentino Jr.

October 15, 1923 - November 8, 2012