Andrew John Venuti

While 66 years was never enough time, Andrew “Andy” John Venuti had a life well-lived and loved the people he chose to spend it with. He impacted and enriched many people around him and is remembered for his warm smile, jovial belly laughs, and absolute joyfulness. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 2, 2021 in Arizona after a short private battle with brain cancer.

Andrew was born on April 19 to Vincent and Carmela Venuti in Brooklyn, New York. Italian was his first language since it was spoken exclusively at home, and he served as an altar boy at his local Catholic church. He had a special affinity for Lionel trains and his mother’s biscotti. He moved to Los Angeles with his parents at age 13, and attended Pater Noster High School. As a first-generation Italian American, he prided himself on pursuing education and hard work. Andrew spent summers and holiday breaks working at Pep Boys handling tires to afford college. His interest in architecture led him to Cal Poly Pomona, and he became first person in his family to attend higher education. His year abroad in Florence, Italy was an academic and life experience he cherished throughout his life. In 1981, Andrew graduated and went on with his professional career in what he lovingly referred to as the ‘Before Angela’ period.

As an accomplished architect and member of The American Institute of Architects,

Andrew had bragging rights always pointing out the many renowned hotels he worked on throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. This included the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, Loews Santa Monica, LAX Hilton, among many others. He founded Andrew J. Venuti & Associates working in a variety of capacities; architecture and construction management. He also performed inspections and work for FEMA, HUD, and OSHA, ensuring safety measures and quality control.

The ‘After Angela’ period began in 1988 when his one and only child was born. He was a devoted father who worked hard and diligently to provide for his daughter throughout her upbringing. He often volunteered for Angela’s many extracurricular activities, particularly in South Pasadena, CA. Andrew served as a dedicated dad for the brownie girl scout troop, orchestra and band, model UN, and cheerleading squad, showing up to every game and performance to cheer her on.

Andrew loved all things related to Italy, architecture, photography, history, and music. And for his family and friends; making people feel special. He found the ultimate joy in catching up with people and check in with them. This included his Cal Poly Pomona college friends whom he had longstanding traditions with, along with special coworkers and friends he’d become close with over the years. Andrew lived a life devoted to the Catholic faith, which was very important to him. In his later years, Andrew served in the Knights of Columbus as part of his home parish, St. Clare of Assisi, in Surprise, AZ.

Andrew’s legacy lives on through his beloved family; he is survived by his siblings Stephanie Infranco and Frank Venuti, and will always be lovingly remembered as “Uncle Andy” to their families. His daughter Angela with her husband Ricky Boysel gave him his two beautiful granddaughters, Audrey and Sabrina. Andrew’s family wants him remembered for his dedication to friends and loved ones, how he found joy in life, and how he would want others to celebrate life to its fullest.

A memorial service for Andrew Venuti will be held on November 15, 2021. In lieu of a flowers, please kindly consider a donation in his memory to his alma mater, the Cal Poly Pomona Architecture Program. To honor one of his proudest accomplishments of graduating college, this scholarship specifically supports first generation college attendees to the program, which he would have loved.