Obituary of Andrew T. Del Vecchio

Andrew T. Del Vecchio of Garden City passed away peacefully on March 12, 2023 at the age of 92, surrounded by many of his closest family members. 

He was the devoted father of Andrea, Donna, Maura, Kathryn & Christopher, loving father-in law of Brad, Rupert, Jack & Kimberly and cherished grandfather of Sean, Ariane, Elise, Rohan, Emily, Gavin, Lauren, Kaylin & Nicholas and great-grandfather of Lucas, Andy, Cami & Sylvia. Treasured Uncle to Diane and Carla.

Born on October 9, 1930, Andy grew up in Williston Park NY with his parents Charles and Emilia Del Vecchio and his brother Carl.  He attended Mineola High School, Long Island Agricultural & Technical Institute and Adelphi College.  

Andy was the star left-handed pitcher for both the Mineola Maroons and the Long Island A&T Aggies varsity baseball teams.  Known as the “Chucker”, he pitched numerous games in which he tallied double-digit strikeouts. His most impressive outing was an 18K, no-hitter for the Aggies.

Andy served his country proudly in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955 in the Army’s 40th infantry division with the rank of Sergeant.  Upon his return, he became an active member VFW post 1688 and American Legion post 144 where he participated in Veterans Day events, marching in Memorial Day parades and was very honored to be part of the Color Guard at other veterans’ funeral services.

He partnered with his father in a successful painting and plastering business where they worked on many homes throughout Williston Park in the 1960’s.  He then joined Prudential as a successful insurance salesman and quickly moved up the ranks to Sales Manager, District Sales Manager and ultimately to a Vice President position.  Up until his retirement, he was consistently recognized for his outstanding sales and management performance at Prudential.

Andy was fiercely devoted to his family and his cat Lulu. He loved spending precious time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and cousins for baseball and soccer games, gymnastics meets, recitals, birthdays, graduations, holiday celebrations and countless dinners and FaceTime sessions.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his close friends, whether it be watching his favorite NY football and baseball teams, dining Tuesday nights at the “Chicken Place” or attending outdoor concerts and events.

For many years, Andy was an usher for the 10:30 Sunday mass at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic church.  He played cribbage every Monday at the Garden City Senior Center and was an avid swimmer–– swimming laps for over 50+ years! 

Visitation will be held at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home on Sunday, March 19 from 1-4pm and 6-8pm. His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s on Monday, March 20 at 11am, followed by his burial at Holy Rood Cemetery.

Andy will be missed by all. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to his American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park.