Andrew Bennardo Sr.

Andrew was a hard worker with a great sense of humor and liked by all. Andrew passed away on Sept 1, 2024, at the age of 93 in his home in Tampa Florida, in an area in which he loved.

He was born on June 20, 1931 in Brooklyn New York to Frank and Rachel.  He adopted the name ‘red’ because of his flaming red hair. Andrew was the younger brother to Frank, an attorney, who passed away in 2017.  He joined the military in 1955 to 1957; while there, he discovered he had a natural talent for drawing and painting. His Commander often asked him to draw murals on the building for the troops and all were amazed at his natural talent. Over the years he became an outstanding artist and his many drawings and paintings live on today. He became a Postal worker in 1958 and then passed the Fireman’s test. In later years, he later attained the rank of Lieutenant. He was stationed at the extremely busy fire station nicknamed the ‘fire factory’ because of its extreme volume of calls.  In 1951 he met the love of his life, a beautiful Italian girl with dark hair and a captivating smile from his neighborhood. Her name was Elena which means ‘shining light’ and indeed she was… and so much more. They were married in 1956 and eventually had three children Michael, Lauren and Andrew Jr.  They started their life in the Bronx in a quaint apartment, in a beautiful building his mother owned. Eventually, they moved to City Island where the family loved being around the water and the charm the island had.   Elena was a part-time bookkeeper for DelMonte Corporation, and they enjoyed their life on City Island.   In 1979 Elena passed away due to health issues.  Andrew then relocated to Florida to be closer to his family.  In 2000 he accomplished a lifelong wish to write a book about his life growing up in the Bronx, with all its trials and tribulations. 

Andrew is survived by his three children and four grandchildren, Elena, Marisa, Giancarlo and Talia and three great grandchildren, Teddy, Levi and Leo.

We will miss our Dad with his big smile, funny stories and his big sweet-tooth for chocolate doughnuts along with his love for his painting and drawing .  Even today, there remains a beautiful incomplete pastel drawing hanging on his easel of two young children, a painting for a close family friend! 

May he rest in peace and know he was loved…..

Funeral Services are private.  For more information regarding the services please reach out to one of the children.

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