Andrew D. "Andy" Loconti

Mr. Andrew D. “Andy” Loconti, age 97, of Deerfield, a longtime local entrepreneur and hotel developer, passed away in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on March 20, 1910, Andrew was the son of the late Donato and Antoinette (Scarpelli) Loconti. He was raised and educated locally. In 1933 Andy married the former Catherine Giffune, who passed away on September 28, 1985 after 52 years of marriage. He was then united with the former Dolores Serianni on April 28, 2003. Andy was born to enterprising parents who opened a meat market and grocery store in 1911, and a restaurant in 1919. In his early thirties, he and his brother Vito invested in a truck and started a little cartage business, which prospered and became Loconti Brothers Trucking Company. With the success of his businesses, Andy and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Peter Arcuri, formed Carl Cleaners which they ran successfully for many years. He and some friends then opened a retail store, which developed into the Jamesway Corporation having over 100 stores. With Andy’s business savvy, he tried his hand at the hotel business. In 1960, he was the co-owner and operator of the Country Squire Motel, later known as Howard Johnson’s Motel. In 1962 he built the Gateway Motel, which he very successfully operated for many years. In 1980 he was the driving force in the building of the Sheraton Inn which later became the Radisson Hotel. He was also involved in the development and ownership of the Holiday Inn in New Hartford, also hotels in Pennsylvania and Illinois. He was also successful in his stock market ventures, which he enjoyed trading on a daily basis. A sensible and down-to-earth man, Andy inherited his family’s trait of high achievement, balanced with humility and respect for everyone he met. His life revolved around his family, especially his nieces and nephews, who were like his children. Admirable and decent, he was a gentle man, a dear brother, a beloved uncle, and a wonderful guy, as his friends and loved ones hailed him at his surprise 90th birthday party. One friend affirmed, “he doesn’t raise his voice; he’s gentle but firm and one of the most pleasant people I know!” During Andy’s younger years, he was one of the top billiard players in the city. Andy enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and the time he spent at the Turning Stone Casino. He was an accomplished golfer who learned to master the game later in life. He looked forward to Saturday night dinners at Grimaldi’s Restaurant. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Andy is survived by his wife, Dolores; his sister Theresa Motto of Florida; and his brother, Joseph Loconti of New Hampshire. Also surviving are his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his in-laws, Doreen Giffune, and Marion Gauris. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Mary E. and Peter J. Arcuri, and Lucretia Furci; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Vito and Domenica “Peggy” Loconti, and John D. and Philomena Loconti; his in-laws, Josephine and Gerald DePaul, and Michael Giffune; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Santo and Margaret Serianni. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially acknowledging Andy’s caregivers Chris, Sherry, Amy, Bob, and Eileen for all their vigilance and attention. A special mention of gratitude is extended to his loving wife, Dolores, whose selfless care in providing comfort and love to Andy was so appreciated. Thanks also to Dr. James O’Malley for his personal attention to Andy’s care, and the Rev. Anthony P. LaFache for attending to Andy’s spiritual needs. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Andy’s honor to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., or the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Andy’s funeral service will commence on Friday at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Andrew D. "Andy" Loconti

March 20, 1910 - December 3, 2007