BLUA, Andrew D.

1927–2022

A long-time Antelope Valley farmer, Andrew D. Blua, ended his earthly journey after 95 years on Dec. 30, 2022, to reside in the heavenly kingdom with Evelyn, his wife of 66 years, his son Frank and his parents Domenico and Margarita. Andrew is survived by his son Andrew Jr. and wife Katherine of Palmdale and son Matthew of Moses Lake, Wash., along with six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Andrew was raised in a La Puente farming family and told stories of using horse-drawn implements as a kid and making wine with his father, an Italian immigrant. He graduated from La Puente High School in 1945 and served for three years in the US Navy. Andrew was a mainstay in the Antelope Valley farming community for nearly 30 years with his cousin/partner Andrew Rizzo who, together, formed the Blua and Rizzo Ranch in 1952 in Llano, that started with 200 acres of broom corn and eventually exceeded 1,000 acres of alfalfa and grains. Their youthful start in their 20s gave them the title of “The Boys” to other farmers and they were regarded for their innovation and meticulously maintained farm. Among the quotes for which Andrew is known are, “The paramount ingredient to a farmer’s success are his footprints in the field” and “Never hire a man with a pointy shovel.”

Andrew is respected for his work ethic, integrity and leadership in his community of Llano, through the Llano Community Association and his contributions of time and skill to the Pearblossom Community United Methodist Church.

A gathering of friendship and remembrance in Andrew’s honor will take place on Feb. 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pearblossom Community United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made directly to the church at P.O. Box 488, Pearblossom, CA 93553.