Better known as “Andy” or “Jr” to many, he began learning about work ethic at the tender age of 5, assisting his Mother working in the fields.
In high school he made the Roosevelt football team #32 and helped lead to the winning of The Pig Trophy, as well as making it into The Fresno Bee with clippings of his hard work and dedication to the team. There he also met his high school sweetheart, Frances.
The long walks and talks home eventually turned into a beautiful marriage, exchanging vows on September 5, 1965. In 1967 he started his family, with his first born daughter, Yvonne and a year later in 1968 his second daughter, Rachel. Andy had some college experience, taking an interest in mechanics, in which he put on hold when he was hired at Kerr Rug. After working there, he decided to go work with his Father taking on many responsibilities, which quickly led to him running the family businesses.
In 1982 his third daughter was born, Andrea and 5 years later in 1987 his family would be complete with the birth of his first born son, Andrew III. Having a busy life, Andy always made time for family vacations and trips with his wife, Hawaii being one of their favorites. One month shy of celebrating 38 years of marriage, Andy’s wife was killed in a car accident in 2004. This tragedy devastated him, he had Amazing workers and friends who checked up on him, as well as his family.
As time passed, he found companionship in a wonderful woman named Jennie who brought light back into his life. For 14 1/2 years they enjoyed each other’s company, and then sadly in 2019 Jennie passed away.
For 42 years Andy ran the family businesses and decided to retire in 2009. The memories that were made at Andy’s Cocktails & El Patio Club are shared by many friends Andy acquired through his years in the business. He will be remembered for his pool skills, as he loved playing pool, bar dice, his famous Sunday morning menudo and Sunday evening barbecue, Monday night football with his chili beans and hotdogs, and the many jokes and laughter.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will hold tight to the many great memories they shared with him, Sunday brunch, his menudo, Super Bowl Sunday with Me n Ed’s pizza, 4th of July at the hotel, Foster Freeze deep fried burritos and ice cream cone trips, the many parties and gatherings at the house he had built for him and his wife, treating his family to some of his favorite places to eat Placita; Hometown; McDonald’s, Doctor appointments, taking the 41 to Table Mountain, car rides, and family trips.
Andy’s life was filled with great times and also many obstacles, his perseverance, strength, and courage will always be an example to follow. He accomplished many things in life and touched many hearts, he will be forever missed.
You can rest now Dad.
A Visitation for Andrew will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Recital of the Holy Rosary will occur Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Mass of Christian burial will occur Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa St, Fresno, CA 93721.
A Committal Service will occur Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St Peter's Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Ochoa family.
