I'm saddened to have learned of Andy's passing. Having grown up in Wildwood and just around the block from Andy, I have many fond and funny memories of him. Skating, trading Garbage Pail Kids and playing video games stick out the most from those times as kids back in the late 80's and into the 90's. Although Andy was two years younger than us, he was always in the mix with us skating out in front of Rashi's house or over at Wildwood Elementary. Always a classic character, Andy brought energy and comedy to our sessions every time. My friendship with him continued through high school and the years after in which I would run into him at Skatelab or Borchard. Although not as close as when we were younger, we always enjoyed running into each other, catching up on things and reminiscing on the past. A couple of "older guys" whom still had a love for skating and a bond we created as kids, Andy was a friend. I truly have nothing but the best memories of Andy and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the Grassi family and to all those that knew and loved him.

Our friend Andy Grassi had his own "code of conduct". He didn't have a computer, an Instagram or even even a Facebook account. He still had cd's and cassettes, yes, Andy was a true OG, he would still hop on his skateboard from time to time at 36 years old to enjoy some solitude at a favorite skate spot. He aslo had his own Let's call them "verbal expressions". 
One that comes to mind is "kick rocks". He taught most of Thousand Oaks that saying. If you were lucky enough maybe he even told you to kick rocks, jokingly of course! Andy knew more people than a Hollywood philanthropist, maybe because of the nice things he would do for the people he liked and respected, such as fix their cars. I have no doubt he probably tinkered with a few of the cars that some of you drove here today. He touched our hearts with his friendship and personality and he fixed our cars with a passion and love he expressed through the click of his ratchet and the zing of his air tools. I wouldn't put it past Andy to advise you to tell your usual mechanic to "kick rocks" after he was done repairing your car and it preformed better than new. My memories of Andy are all fond ones and are in a tie as my favorite memories of our friend, a guy who had a legendary persona and who was just an all around great friend to anyone lucky enough to become his friend. One of my oddly favorite memories of Andy was when he worked at the arcade in Simi Valley, at Mountain Gate plaza. I'm guessing it was late 90's, we were so young.... and he was REALLY good at old school video games, like really good. I remember visiting him there on many occasions. It was always a good time and now makes a great memory. Another favorite  was when he took me on a quick ride through Decker Canyon once. It took us less than 5 minutes and we did't even hit the mountain or go over the edge? When I grabbed the roll cage to hold on for dear life (seat belts were optional in this race car) Andy looked over and says "don't touch the metal, you'll make it rust just hold on to the padded sections"! So I nervously obliged. Most times I came to The Grassi house Andy would greet me at the door with "Bobby's World, what's up"?! Other times Mr Grassi or Mrs Grassi would answer and call up the stairs to him. I's always hope he wasn't sleeping, you didn't want to wake up Andy from a nap. If it was evening time you had better be hungry, Mr. and Mrs. Grassi never hesitated to invite me over for dinner and I rarely said no. We sat at the dinner table and chatted each other up, I always enjoyed those times. 
Andy had a name for everyone, it didn't mean he like you, it just meant you were lucky enough to get a nickname from Andy Grassi.
Andy and I had a vast love of music from the Misfits to obscure hip hop, 80's music and all things Morrissey.
I remember listening to Morrissey in Andy's room and Andy would belt out a chorus in his English accent. It always made both of us laugh. Andy had a great laugh, it was classic, distinct and infectious. I used to make copies of my music collection onto cd's for him till one day I just put my entire library on his iPod.
Hanging out in that garage, listening to music, maybe helping Andy find his cigarettes. Those memories, shared by many, shaped the youth and young adulthood of a large group of friends and acquaintances that cared deeply about him. Those are memories that we will hold close to our hearts and minds forever. They are the common thread that ties us together forever.
Andy, I know you will watch over us in the future as we drive these city streets and your favorite canyons. Help us pick the right soundtrack so it feels like you are there with us making that playlist like you were in the passenger seat. 
We promise not to use the brakes too much so we can enjoy the ride the way you did bro.
R.I.P. Godspeed #agvtec I miss you already Grassi

Where do I begin... There are so many rad memories we have with Andy. He was one f the most sharp, witty, charismatic, loving, compassionate, thoughtful and by far the funniest guy I've ever met. The things he would say we're so clever and came with such ease. He was the "King of Moniker". My favorite was "The Salty Sea-Haggas". He could and would make up names that literally stuck with you forever.... And you'd love every second of the story of how it came to be. The first nickname I received was "Pooka" because I shamelessly wore a pooka shell necklace in to Circle Sports on a day while we were working there. He was a great story teller. The excitement in his eyes and the body language he used while acting out his scene was the best part of the show. He was captivating and magnetic, it's like his stories would have you enthralled. Anyone who knew him knew that he loved his cars and bikes, when Andy and I first became friends his white car was completely disassembled and in a million pieces.... I had the pleasure of hanging with him in the garage, putting the car together piece by piece. It only took about a day. He was a genius when it came to building cars. Then sitting shotgun as he whipped through the canyons with such ease, or riding to the track in Buttonwillow having a blast. There are so many fun stories with that guy from just riding bikes around town or fishing Westlake for bass to trips to Vegas watching him rock the Blackjack tables at the MGM to karaoke 80's style.... I mean the stories are endless but such great experiences I will always cherish. His generosity was endless and his compassion for those he loved went far beyond eternity. Loyal to the core. Andy was such a remarkable guy with so many great qualities that he was infections. Like you just wanted to be around him to see what he would say next. You just knew it was bound to be hilarious. I mean seriously he's amazing. The times we had together and our friendship are irreplaceable and I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with Andy. I always miss him with all of my heart. The guy was and will always be a straight LEGEND. "I'll stop the world and melt with you".

Andy and I have had so many adventures together over the almost 30 years we have been friends.  Andy loved to tell stories to make people laugh.  He had the most amazing memory like remembering little details of the old stories he told that nobody else could capture.  So much of my past and so many memories and stories died with him.  Like on some friday nights we would go to the now gone Wildwood fort for fight night.  Not for combat but to laugh.  We would swing home made pvc and duct tape swords against 20 year old virgins way too old to be dressed like mid evil hobbits and knights speaking with bizarre accents.  We were like 10 or 11 and kicked the crap out of them.  He loved to his neighborhood, Wildwood, and we would walk the streets and trails and reminisce about when we were kids.  We loved talking about the old times because we experienced most of it together.  My earliest memory of Andys willingness to help others began when we were young.  For my little brothers third birthday my mom had this horrible idea to hire a pony for the kids to ride on.  The kids were terrified crying of this animal and wouldn't go near it.  Seeing the party was a disaster, an 8 year old Andy jumped on the pony, rode it around the front yard and acted like it was super fun.  The kids saw this cool older kid and they immediately wanted to ride it.  Party saved and my mom never forgot how grateful she was to him for making the day a success.  (I have a great pic of Andy on the pony wearing a powell shirt and vision street wear shoes).  Andy always loved motors, things with wheels and to go fast.  He started with slot cars then rc cars and dirt bikes to real cars and street bikes.  He rode the shit out of his gsx-r taking laps up and down canyons to the look out all day on the weekends.  Having a great sense of humor he came up with a great idea one Halloween to buy a clown costume and jump on his bike and do wheelies all over town dressed like a clown!  His favorite reaction came from a group of firemen on a fire truck cracking up and giving him thumbs up when he blasted by them doing a back peg stand up wheelie.  What a nut!  Dude had quite an interesting appetite.  From picking and eating wild onions from my parents backyard, drinking the brine from a jar of pickles to crunching down on un cooked spaghetti pasta.  The best was coming home late from a party.  He would wake his mother and she would she would lovingly prepare us omelettes or tune melts or rubens while the three of us sat around the kitchen table laughing about night.  He could be kinda picky sometimes so if it wasn't prepared just the way he liked i was the lucky beneficiary and got to eat the one not quite up to his spec.  (I don't know what he was on about. They were all made perfect)!  He loved Akios, Cho Cho San and Lite n Healthy where we would do all you can eat green mussell battles which i never won.  For being a skinny guy he could totally put down his favorite sushi.  His loyalty to his friends and family especially his parents was truly special.  He was very protective of his mom and dad and spoke frequently about taking care of then when they got older.  Just shows how much they meant to him and how large they were in his heart.  Andy had such unforgettable character because he learned from the ultimate character, his dad.  "Dad stop trying to hang out with us".  Alex was so much more to him than just a dad.  He was Andys everything.  Friend, confidant and coach.  He taught Andy how to be a man.  One of the last times I saw Andy he was still talking about his dad's perfect 300 bowling game. Always very proud of his dad's many accomplishments.  He loved traveling to New York and Europe.  This has been the hardest thing I have ever dealt with.  He was such a unique person with a huge personality.  I haven't done him justice with words.  I haven't captured his amazing spirit.  I could go on for days with memories and stories.  Just ask me about him sometime.  We went through many classes together until we graduated high school.  People who went to Wildwood elementary (tigers) and grew up in Wildwood Andy would say "that guys old school Wildwood".  Andy was truly old school Wildwood.  Peace to the tigers old friend.

To the Grassi Family,

Andy was one of a kind. A friend like that only comes once in a generation.

A true classic. An innovator. Completely original.

He was the big brother to all of us kids that were fortunate enough to know and grow up with him.

Andy loved telling stories. He had the best memory out of any one I ever knew.

"Bro, remember the time? Remember the time?"

He loved telling stories about his family. The best ones were always about his father, Big AL. From New York, to Penguins to dice games, Berry Fresh, Hondas, Racing. The stories never got old they only got better over time. A hidden life lesson in every one.

Andy could paint a picture with his words that were insightful, entertaining and of course hilarious. He coined so many terms that would end up becoming the everyday lingo of the kids of Thousand Oaks.

He loved his friends. And we loved him too. Nothing was better than hanging out in the garage, posted up next to the race car. Listening to Andy break it down on how the was things are and the way things used to be. Andy didn't have a smart phone, or Facebook, or IG. There was only AG. And what you saw was what you got. He is the realist person I've ever met.

He was an old soul that was wise way beyond his years. He is going to be sorely missed. He's a staple in our community of friends. There is no replacing a guy like Andy Grassi. Someone like him only comes around once in a lifetime. One of a kind.

Every single one of us is a better person because we got to know and share our lives with Andy. I will always remember AG. I will always remember our friendship. I will always remember the times that we got to spend together. Rest In Peace my friend. Rest well up in heaven.

(Andy taught me so much about life. Above all else he taught me how to be a man of my word. I always looked up to Andy, and was lucky that I got to be friends with him.)
 
My deepest and sincerest condolences,

There is a lot that can be said about Andy, he has always truly been an individual, and for a long time one of my best and closest friends. I remember Andy had a habit of repeating the same stories over and over to the point that I would finish them before he would to move things on

Hey nephew, I am so happy that I came out to California last Christmas and spent such a great week with you and the family.  You kept us all going with your chatter and your jokes.  It was such fun for me and I will never forget the touching note you left for me on my last day there.  I will treasure your words forever.  I am missing saying hello to you whenever your father and I speak on the phone and hearing about your fearless acts behind the wheel of your racing car.  In fact, I just got a new Honda, primarily because I knew I could count on you to tell me how to fix what was wrong with it if it started acting up. I love you, Andy, and you will always have a special place in my heart and in my memory.  Rest in peace, my nephew, my friend.

Andy left us way too soonhe was just 36 years old-- but before he left, and probably unbeknownst to him, he made an impact on each of our lives  an impact that we will all remember forever.  I have known Andy all of his life.  I am his Aunt Ella.

Though we lived 3000 miles apart, through his Mom & Dad and in talking with him and visiting, I tried to keep up with Andy and his passions.  And as he grew from a young boy into a young man, so did his passions.  I know Andy loved motorcycles.  He started out with a small 2-stroke, 80 cc bike, but quickly advanced to one with 125 cc's because he wanted, no needed, to go faster.  Andy's Dad, my brother Alex, tried to keep up with him, but it was just not possible.  When Andy started racing his motorcycle, the best that his Dad could do was count his laps!   Then when he was 13 years old, Andy had a bad fall in one of the races.  Did he give up  No, he merely changed to street bikes.  His first was a Suzuki 600 cc bike, but like the motorcycle he started out with, it was not fast enough, so he graduated to a 1000 cc bike.  Andy had to be the fastest.  He even got his Dad to ride the 600 cc bike while he rode the bigger and faster one.  Needless to say, Dad could not keep up with his racer son.

As Andy grew, so did his interest in cars and everything mechanical.  In fact, he traveled 200 miles to buy just the perfect racing car and then tore the entire engine out of it and built a new one.  He had his eye on a Vtec engine and, of course, modified it the way only Andy could  with motorcycle parts.  Now, he had his perfect racer with his special license plate, AG Vtec.  He began racing once a month through the canyons.  One of his friends remarked that when riding with Andy, he had his hands on the roll bars, squeezing as tight as could be, but with the knowledge that he had the best driver next to him.  What a thrill!

Andy was a champ with a wrench.  He was fascinated with the mechanics of driving machines and could fix just about any problem his Mom, Dad, Sister or friends had with their cars.  He amassed a garage full of professional tools that any career mechanic would be proud to own and with these tools and with his mechanical expertise, he was, in a word, a genius.

Most of you know that about four years ago, his Dad needed a new kidney, and most of you also know that his Mom, Antoinette, was the perfect donor.  After the kidney transplant, Andy made it his business to make sure he did all he could to help them both get back to normal.  Perhaps something many of you did not know about Andy was that he was a practiced masseuse, giving Mom and Dad massages for their aches and pains.  Even I had the pleasure once of being treated to one of Andy's massages.  It was the best one I ever had and Andy told me that I was the only one who could withstand his strong pressure.  

Andy loved his home and his family and he would often say that he wanted to take care of his parents in their old age.  And he began doing just that.

About two or three years ago, as Alex started slowing down, Andy stepped up to the plate and began helping his Dad with his pool business, cleaning commercial and residential pools, but also making certain that they were in tip-top shape, fixing all the mechanical and electrical problems inherent in their operation.  Andy already knew a lot about the mechanical side, but he quickly became adept at learning all the electrical issues as well.  At first, I don't think he thought this business was his cup of tea, but after awhile, Andy seemed to truly enjoy tackling the problems and keeping the pools in excellent condition.  For those of us who have pools, we know it is no easy task.  The other thing I know Andy enjoyed about his job was getting to know all the people he met.  He was extremely respectful to them and they grew to like and respect him equally.  Andy and his Dad grew even closer as they worked side by side, having lunch together almost daily, discussing what needed to be done next and how they were going to remedy a particularly difficult electrical or mechanical problem.  They were inseparable pals to be sure.

With all his masculine traits of loving racing cars, tearing engines apart and rebuilding them, Andy had a most sensitive side to his personality.  He had a special bond with his mother and showed deep concern for her.  He always left the house in the morning saying Have a good day  I love you Mom.  In fact, those were his last words to her on Friday, October 16.  And Antoinette loved Andy unconditionally, not only as her son, but as her friend.  They would sit at the kitchen table and talk about what had transpired that day, what was in store for them tomorrow and what their hopes were for the future.  Andy told me often that his Mom was the strongest person he knew.

When I told my cousin back East about Andy's tragic death, she said to me, You know, I only knew Andy for one day, but it was a great day full of laughs.  He really impressed me.  And that was almost ten years ago at my son's wedding.  She still remembered him vividly and recalled the good time they enjoyed together.  Now that tells you something about the strength of Andy's engaging personality.

And whenever one of his East Coast relatives visited, they always left with a note from Andy telling them that he loved them and enjoyed their visit.

Andy was the kind of person who shunned attention for himself.  He was a tall, lanky, handsome guy with an infectious smile that would melt your heart.  He could easily be described as the gentle giant.  He was generous with his family and friends, often giving car advice to friends, fixing their cars for free.  He loved the challenge of taking something that didn't work and making it purr like a kitten.  He was very, very good at it and that's when he broke into his biggest smiles.  He had more friends than most people have in a much longer lifetime.  Just look around you and a friend of Andy's is not far away.  He knew that to have friends, you had to BE a friend. 

I was always kind of surprised that Andy liked us to talk about The Bronx, NY which is where Alex, Antoinette and I grew up.  He seemed fascinated with the old neighborhood and with the games we played right there on 187 Street.  He wanted to know about our friends, what we did, where we went and what happened to all of them.  He told me recently that he wanted to come back to New York, to the Bronx and visit the places we frequented as kids.  Nostalgic, wasn't he?

Andy was thrilled when his sister, Kim, married Bryan, and when first Lucy and then Dylan were born, he now had the title of Uncle Andy, a title in which he was extremely proud.  Just last week, he spent the day cavorting with his little niece and nephew and they all had such fun.

Yes, Andy left us way too soon.  I know that God never gives us anything we cannot handle, but this surely is the toughest challenge any family is asked to bear.

Antoinette and Alex:  You were the best of parents to Andy and he knew it.  He respected and loved you both, and he knew that he could count on you to always be there for himand you were.  Andy will never be gone  he will always be with you in your hearts where you can hold him close.  I hope you take some solace in all the wonderful memories you have made with him and think happy thoughts every day when you think of Andy.  He would want it that way.

We will all miss this wonderful young man who in his 36 years touched each of us in a uniquely personal way and gave us all something to smile about.  Let's remember those things and in that way we will never ever forget Andy Grassi.

Andy, I know you are with The Lord in Heaven, and with your grandparents as well.  May you rest in peace and may the joys our Heavenly Father promised us be yours forevermore.  God bless you.

I am so sad about Andy's passing. He was a really lovely guy. Any time we'd talk he would have a cheeky smile, making me unsure if he was winding me up or not. He was funny. My favourite memory of Andy is from Ireland, when he really just couldn't cope with the cold- so he slept in his clothes, his coat with the duvet and some extra blankets too! A California man through and through. Always easy to be around. I'm so sad for all of his family dealing with such a great loss. I'll remember him smiling. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Cuz, we were 9 years apart in age and lived on different coasts for most of our lives, but our times together were as comfortable as if we had lived across the street from each other.  I remember you taking me down in every video game we played, even though I would practice for weeks before flying out to CA to see you.  I remember hearing about your bike races in the mountains from your mom and dad and how I always said, "Wow, Andy is fearless."  I so admired your love of family and your dedication to their well-being.  I'm so thankful for the times we shared at my wedding, Kim and Bryan's wedding and Lucy's baptism.  I'll never forget your insatiable appetite for hearing about all things about our parents' upbringing in "The Bronx", and I always wondered (and admired) how a "kid" 9 years my junior longed to hear stories about the old neighborhood.  And I'll never forget the time when your dad made you kiss Uncle Joe's pinky ring.  You were so young and Uncle Joe was so big.  He must have looked larger than life to you.  Andy, I will miss your terrific smile and our shared love of The Grassi family.  May you rest in the eternal Peace of our Lord Jesus.  Until we see each other again, your loving Cousin...

Andy, you will always hold a special place in my heart and forever be missed. I'm so sad about your passing, but I'm happy for the time we had together. You were genuine and loyal, which is rare these days. You had the best sense of humor and were wickedly witty. Thanks for making me laugh until my stomach hurt, taking me fishing, being my chiropractor, going with me to crazy concerts and haunted houses, taking care of my car and just being awesome. Thanks for always making me feel so welcome and like part of the family. I love you guys, I admire your strong family bond and I'm glad I got to be a part of it. Alex, Antoinette and Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the whole family. Andy will forever live on in the memories we all hold dear. Andy, I love you, rest in peace xoxo. Thank you for coming here, thank you for being you. - Morrissey

Andy had the best memory among other great attributes, he would remember things and events that even I forgot all about.... He'd often recall one of my early birthdays, 11 or 12 I think where me him and our friend dale all slept over at my house and watched the first mad max movie....then he would say..,"then your mom made us hot chocolate "...

Andy Grassi, as id call him Grasso. "Whats up Mary" ( long hair can make you look like a girl). Where do I begin, theres so many storys and memories with Andy its difficult to choose.  I met Grasso when I was in high school. We were skate boarders.. When your branded in the skate family, age mattered not. Grasso was the best at any enjoyment he put his mind too. His skills and talents in mechanics and skate boarding radiated. I was a dork in high school and he new it. He changed that real quick. He shared with me a peice of who he was in mechanics. I now had a mentor. The confidence in my self followed shortly. He transcended my mantality from me trying not to be seen by people in high school, to forcing people to take notice of me with cars! The truth is Andy had a fearlessness to him in everything he did. When he spoke to you, his confident delivery was contagious.  He was so desensitized from the social norm and what your supposed to be doing, it was beautiful. He always did what he felt he had to do! Most importantly ill never forget the uniqueness in the way Grasso articulated his personality.  These type of personality traits in people are such a rarity in the world. People like Andy dont come around to often.. Grasso your with me every step I take from here on out.. keep my seat warm for me up there.. Mary

I feel deep sadness in knowing I won't see him again in this life....yet I also feel a sense of awe in the fact that Andy lived in a way many never do. I remember much.. I smile. He was true to himself. 

Andy was a gift in all facets of life. He touched and impacted so many. I love you Andy Grassi. Such a gift to your family and all who knew you. Your legacy lives in everything you touched. One must simply look...
All my love to you and yours. Forever. 

P.S.  Andy, you were relentless in your pursuit of truth regarding the mysterious 8th Grade Graduation Magic Mountain mishap with Kim and I....now you know - THEY LEFT US!!!

I haven't seen Andy in ages, we used to stay up to the wee hours of the night playing Turbo Grafx, Super NES, & Genesis.  Had a lot of fun.  It's surreal to think that he's gone.  He was the type of guy to give you his shirt off of his back, & he literally did, as he gave me a bunch of his skating related shirts.  I look forward to seeing him again, he is in God's memory now  His family is in my thoughts & prayers.

Andy taught me so much about enjoying life. He introduced me to skateboarding and racing, he showed me how to be a good friend by being there whenever I needed. He took the time to show me and my brother new skate spots and introduced us to the canyons. He showed me all the back-roads of TO, the good places to eat, good music to listen to. He gave me haircuts growing up and taught things like how to use a straight razor, and how to deal with women. One time we were at LACR Andy was getting bored and decided to wheelie the quarter mile on his street bike. He ran a 13.0 at 120mph that was faster than my car at the time. The people at the track kicked us off as we were laughing about it. Andy was a legend, I'm going to miss but never forget him. Rest in peace buddy.

I Have so many great memories of Andy. My heart goes out to Kim, Alex, & Antoinette. I'll always remember you!!

The joy you brought to people was apparent and a common theme as I listened to numerous people share their experiences and memories with you my sweet brother. I heard your contagious laugh the other day and started laughing with you. For a short moment I was the happiest sister alive. I have shared 36 unforgettable years with you and I have the memories to prove it. Those memories will always be in my heart and irreplaceable. I promise to talk about you all the time to your niece Lucy and nephew Dylan so they can remember how much fun they always had with Uncle Andy and what a great person you are. Your memory will remain alive in their hearts as well as mine. I love you more than words can ever say and will miss you always. I feel so tremendously lucky to have you as a brother. I will see you again little brother #AGvtecforeverbro

My dear nephew Andy,  you brought many of smiles to my face, you will be missed and always loved.  May god be with you. RIP
Aunt Kiki

This memory comes from the hondaworkshop notebook"circa 2001" or so.. Andy calls me up, "Steve" get over here bro lets slap this car together!! My response ...I'm on my way..a guy I have never met hired Andy to rebuild his gsr motor so naturally I was in!!! "Steve"! You take underneath the car, that meant axels, shift linkage, half shaft and some minor suspension work, "bro" I got the top end Andy says...head gasket, torquing everything to spec, cams, timing belt, shooting the timing and such... A couple hours later he asks" are you good??" I respond, "yup" I say " are you doggy"?? He says were good..the guy comes over starts the car and takes it around the block and comes back smiling from ear to ear. He leaves and as he drives away Andy looks at me while sparking a cigarette " another satisfied customer " we high five each other and call it a night""...an average night in the hondaworkshop aka his parents garage#thanksfortheknowledge#ripmyfriend

I met Andy when i was 15, through all the Skateboarding and Circle Sports. I worked with Andy in 2001 at Napa Auto Parts for a few. Periodically I would run into Andy at the skatepark in Newbury Park and both me and Andy would go to Skatelab in Simi Valley. I was lucky enough to have Andy work in my 1993 Honda Civic hatchback in 2008. Around that time i was hanging with my brother and Andy all the time. in 2013 i started working at the Postal Service and I frequently delivered mail on the Wildwood route. Andy was always there to greet me when I arrived at his house, always offering me a Soda. His Generosity was so great. Andy shined bright and I will miss him every day. 

Love Eddie Villa

Like a lot of you Newbury Park/Thousand Oaks OGs, I got word that Andy Grassi (1979-2015) passed away yesterday. I do have to preface much of this post with a disclaimer: although I knew Andy for over seventeen years, we were never really close. Nevertheless, I really liked Andy and I always enjoyed running into him around town and skating with him. He was incredibly funny. Andy was a Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park skateboarding OG. While I doubt he's busted anything outside of an Ollie, wall banger and noseslide in the past fifteen years, he had great wall rides and the sort of stability one only accrues after twenty-plus years on a board. He was also three years older than me and one of the few guys (outside of Stuart Faught) who could recall the generation that came up skateboarding in Thousand Oaks in the early '90s. Andy remembered places like Rat's Den on Thousand Oaks Boulevard as well as mid '90s demos at Circle Sports. Whenever I ran into Andy, usually rolling with Matt Taylor and Steve Brown, we'd invariably talk about those days and skateboarders who have long since disappeared or hung it up. Although it's been at least three years since I've seen Andy, I'm disappointed a link to our city's skate scene past is gone. Mostly I'm just saddened that I can't hear him crack jokes about someone or something. I was thinking about it earlier today and there were three different periods where Andy I crossed paths pretty regularly. (1) Holiday season 1998. In October 1998 I was sixteen and took what I thought would be my dream job, working at Chaos skateboard shop at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. I was in for a severe letdown: the job mostly required schlepping shoes from the back of the store and heckling moms for asking dumb questions (to my later chagrin, we all aspired to be THAT skateshop jerk) was strongly discouraged. Andy worked about seventy-five yards away from the skate shop at Toys-'R'-Us. I didn't know what he did there -- I later found out he put together bikes in the back -- but he'd come in on his lunch breaks to the skate shop. Ostensibly he'd come in to talk shop and watch skate videos. However, I'm convinced he was in there to make fun of the store manager (who he dubbed "Slave Hawk") as well as the assistant manger (of course, Andy never purchased anything and mostly made fun of the merchandise). Andy was merciless. Kal Kling worked with me and we loved it when Andy would come in. We'd sit near the register and listen to him berate Slave Hawk and laugh at the latter's pathetic comebacks. He also wasn't afraid to call out customers who were just, well, horrible and unreasonable. (The fact that he was wearing a Toys 'R'-Us vest didn't deter him.) His digs on Slave Hawk got so bad that I think Andy was banned from the store. I believe we were instructed to not allow him into the shop -- a requirement we never followed. Seeing Andy come into Chaos was seriously the best. Andy helped ensure my employment there was short. And for that, I'm eternally grateful! (2) Sometime around 2002ish I started skateboarding Borchard Park more and so did Jeff Gresham and Andy. Everyone who experienced Jeff and Andy together knows how legendary their dynamic was. They would rip on each other ALL DAY LONG. After an injury (broken wrist I think), Jeff had lost much of his nerve on a skateboard, prompting Andy to call him out for "losing his balls." Gresham (although it could've have been Grassi) came up with a burn that still makes me laugh to this day: "Your teeth are so yellow you spit butter." Jeff would rock his Geoff Rowley Vans and practice nollie backside flips, while Grassi sat on the metal storage box, usually yelling trash at Gresham or messing with someone else. Andy had the gift of gab. (3) Approximately 2008-2010, 2012. For some reason Andy took to wearing hair barrettes. To this day I have no idea why. If skateboarding was something Andy divided pretty evenly between cracking jokes five years earlier, by 2008 he was pretty much all gab and just a little bit of skating. I recall going to Skatelab with him once. We both mentioned how old we were. I had picked up a '51 Ford truck in 2011 and we chatted cars a bit. Of course, Andy was a Honda mechanic and he knew his trade. He was still as funny as ever and when you could get him to stop talking (by the way, Andy was a close talker) and skate, he'd still bust those mean wall bangers. Andy was skateboarding in Thousand Oaks during a period that's pretty much forgotten now -- consigned to the dustbins of history. He knew a lot of the same folks I did as well as all the local legends who had come and gone over the years. Andy was great and I regret the fact that there's no chance I'll ever run into him again. I liked talking about the good old days. I have only great memories of Andy Grassi. He was a true skateboarder and his sense of humor was nearly unparalleled.

I coached Andy in Little League and he became friends with my two sons, Scott and Steven. He was my starting first baseman and was an excellent left handed hitter! My heart goes out to Alex and Antoinette and the entire family. GOD BLESS you and we are praying for you.

I remember Andy as a fun loving kid. I coached football in a youth league, Conejo  Cowboys in Thousand Oaks, this is where I first met Andy. He and my sons Tyson and Justin skateboarded with together for years . They had kept up with Andy  and it was a shock when Tyson told me of Andy's death. I had jokingly called Andy's dad Al "R2-D2" ( because of his mirrored sunglasses) while coaching and Andy thought that was funny. He often told me "R2-D2" stories, he had a great sense of humor. Andy will be missed by all. Our prayers are with the family.

In addition to all of Andy's other qualities and attributes, I'd like to add that he was an excellent baseball player with power and speed and a strong competitive spirit. I loved coaching Andy, and I love Alex and Antoinette to this day. . . Steve Henson

Andy, you made me laugh at the young age of 12. 13. 14. 15. 
You had wit and confidence. 
Rest in peace friend.
Until we meet again. ❤

Thank you Andy for being there for us and showing us how to play basketball and skate in our neighborhood  RIP ANDY always in our hearts,thoughts and prayers!!

I was shocked to hear the news of Andy's passing. I haven't seen the Grassi family for quite a few years but I have so many wonderful memories. God bless your family in this tough time. Hugs to you all.

I've known Andy since Jr high all the way till our high school years. He was such a funny, sweet guy. He'd talk my ear off about the cool things he wanted to add to his car, taking me on drives. He was a good listener too. You'll be missed Andy!! Xo

All our love goes with Andy where God will keep him safe untill we can join him. Our love and prayers are with the family. Andy has been part of our lives for a long time and will be missed. His laughter and kindness to the entire Andrew family will always be treasured. GOD BLESS

Andy's positive attitude and kindness will forever be remembered. He always stopped by to say, "hi," and was there with a set of ready hands willing to help me out. What a Great guy, he will be missed.

I was in shock when I heard the news last Saturday. We had just talked about shooting some pool on your pop's table the week before. You were truly one of a kind, AG. Words can't express my heartfelt condolences for Big Al, Mrs. G., Kim and the rest of the family. I'm going to miss seeing you around the neighborhood, but I pray you're at peace. AGVTEC forever...

What a tragedy!! The Grassi family is some of the best people I know!! I've know Andy since Jr. High and became super close with Alex! (His Dad) I'm so sorry for your loss Antoinette and Alex! Andy was a great guy and I will always remember and honor his memory!! Truly heart breaking! 
       Love you guys!! Mike Bernhardt! Aka Bernie!!

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for being so nice to my kids Andy. Christopher really loves you alot. God bless you and again thank you..

OBITUARIO

Andy Cash Grassi

6 agosto, 1979 – 16 octubre, 2015

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios