Andrew Vance Reznack

Andrew Vance Reznack passed away peacefully at home on Sunday October 22, 2023 at the age of 92. The youngest child, Andy was the only native-born American in his family. He was born in Granite City IL to parents Vance and Mary Reznack, originally of Cerová-Lieskové, Czechoslovakia.

In 1952, Andy married the love of his life, beautiful Mary Ann (née St. Ivany) also of Granite City, while stationed in Newport, RI with the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge, Andy attended Washington University in St. Louis, studying full-time while working full-time, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Andy and Mary Ann were quickly blessed with five daughters.

Andy's advancing career brought the family to Southern California in 1967 moving to San Marino and then to Whittier. New opportunities resulted in moves to Houston, Texas, and London/Walton-on-Thames, England, before returning to Whittier for the rest of his career and well-earned retirement. Andy's engineering and management expertise concentrated on the solicitation, design, and construction of oil refineries/pipelines, gas processing plants, and chemical manufacturing facilities. He traveled extensively throughout the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, ofttimes in locales not previously accessible to American businessmen: Iran, Kuwait, UAE, and newly-opened regions of China. He worked with Shell Oil, Chemplex, Fluor, J.F. Pritchard, Ralph M. Parsons (including as President of the London Office overseeing the Middle East) and Jacobs Engineering as Senior Vice President. He was Program Manager for the Alaska North Slope operation in Prudoe Bay. In addition to executive management, he was often consulted as a 'trouble shooter' for existing facilities.

An avid golfer, Andy also excelled at bridge with Mary Ann as his accomplished partner. Another of Andy's favorite pastimes and accomplishments was in the design and build of several family homes. Upon retirement, Andy and Mary Ann continued their international travels: European sojourns, African safari, Southern and Northern Hemisphere cruises.

Andrew was preceded in death by his wife of over 57 years, Mary Ann, his daughter Lauren Ann Donovan, his parents, two brothers Victor (Ann) and Louis (Florence), and two sisters Hedy Barth (Charles) and Mary Gass (Bob). Andrew is survived by his daughters Andria Pinkowski (Mark) of Seattle WA, Lisamarie Williams (Gary) of Plano, TX, Karin Byrum (John) of Redding CT, Juliet Conniff (John) of San Diego CA, son-in-law Timothy Donovan of San Clemente CA, grandsons Morgan, Marshal, Matthew, and Christian, granddaughters Tracy and Marika, brothers-in-law John St. Ivany (Sharon) of Edwardsville IL and Charles St. Ivany of Granite City IL, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A loving and devoted husband, inspiring father and grandfather, much-admired father-in-law, Andy was tall, handsome and well-spoken. We will miss his dynamic presence, his wonderful laughter, his unwavering integrity, and his generous heart. He was a true original, there will never be another like him. You are always in our hearts, Dad.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10:30 am at St Bruno's Catholic Church, 15740 Citrustree Road in Whittier.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beardsleymitchell.com for the Reznack family.