Andrew B. Pileggi, 97, of Beaumont, died Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. He was born on April 18, 1915, in Frankfort, New York, to Mary Castronova Pileggi and Vincent Pileggi. Andrew retired as automotive manager with Nelson-Jones Ford in New York.
Andrew spent much of his childhood and adult life in upstate New York. It was where he met the love of his life, Genevieve Mary Dwyer. They were very blessed to have had seventy-five years of marriage together. Andrew was a loving husband and father. He was grounded in his church and devoted to his family.
Andy and Gen spent much of their life in New York, raising their family. They moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to enjoy their retirement. While there, Andy enjoyed fishing off his back yard peninsula, watching NASCAR on the week-ends, and playing cards at every opportunity. With a knack for working with his hands and fixing most things that broke, he acquired his nickname “Handy Andy.” They were very active in their home church of Trinity Lutheran and participated for many years in the Italian-America club. In their later years they moved to Beaumont, Texas, to be closer to family. It was there, at Collier Park, he put his love of cards aside and developed his skill for the game of Bingo. Andy never met a stranger; he made friends easily wherever he went. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his sons, Andrew J. Pileggi and his wife, Donna, of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Arnold C. Pileggi and his wife, Lynn, of Beaumont; Alfred Pileggi and his wife, Sonya, of Athens, Georgia; Alan Pileggi of Tyler; and Carl Pileggi and his wife, Evelyn, of Beaumont; brothers, Ross Pileggi of Palm Harbor, Florida; David Pileggi of Whitinsville, Massachusetts; and John Pileggi of Douglas, Massachusetts; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve M. Dwyer Pileggi.
A gathering of Mr. Pileggi’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with his committal to follow at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lillian Howard, for all her endless, devoted hours to Andy during his time of need.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
