Andrew ‘Andy’ Asaro
August 12, 1936 - May 17, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CA — Andrew “Andy” Asaro was a native of San Diegan and a life-long resident of Little Italy. He was a remarkable individual whose life was characterized by an abundance of love, cherished relationships, cultural heritage, and unwavering optimism, and has left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, genuine care for others, and contagious optimism were evident in both his personal and professional endeavors, forever etching his memory in our hearts.
Andy was the youngest son of Andrew and Katie Asaro, proud Italian immigrants from Sicily, and he led a full and robust life. Living on India Street in the heart of San Diego’s “Little Italy” for 86 years (excluding his time in the Army), Andy became a living legend, an embodiment of the neighborhood’s rich history and its people. He generously shared his knowledge and memories with organizations such as Convivio and the Little Italy Association, offering invaluable interviews and photographs that captured the essence of the neighborhood’s transformation. Until his final days, Andy reveled in residing on India Street, finding great joy in conversing with old friends who frequented the Mona Lisa delicatessen or visited during the vibrant Italian festivals that adorned the street. He took immense pride in his 78-year-old home that represented the enduring spirit of Little Italy and cherished the lifelong friendships enabled by it.
Read Andy’s full autobiography online
https://www.legacy. com/us/obituaries/ sandiegouniontribune/ name/andrew-asaroobituary?id=52036792 Known affectionately as
Andy to his friends and Unc & Grunc to his family, Andrew Asaro will forever be treasured and deeply missed by the countless lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, unwavering spirit, kindness, and a profound love for family, friends, community, and heritage.
Andy is survived by his nephew Frank Jr., niece Lori (Adam Jastrzebski), and nephews Guy (Chelsea), Michael (Laurie), and fondly remembered as Grunc by his grandnephews and grandnieces; Jamie Warburton, Anthony, Sean (Jenna), Jennifer, Joseph, Nicholas, Katherine, Grace and step-grandniece Kathy (Jastrzebski) and step-grandnephew Michael (Jastrzebski). He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew A. Asaro and Katie Asaro, and his brother Frank Leo Asaro (Sharon).
We will forever cherish the memories of his smiling face, unwavering spirit, and his genuine care for family, friends, neighborhood, and heritage.
In our hearts, Andy’s legacy lives on, reminding us to embrace life with love, joy, and a deep appreciation for the connections we forge along the way.
Family and friends are invited to attend services in Andrew’s honor.
Rosary and Viewing: Monday, May 29, 2023, 4:00-8:00 pm, La Jolla Chapel, 4710 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109., (858) 488-5553. Mass: Tuesday May 30, 2023, 9:00 am., Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church, 1629 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 234-4820. Internment: Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 11:00 am. Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, CA 92102, (619) 264-3127. Celebration/ Reception: Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 12:30 – 3:00 pm., (immediately following internment), The Godfather Restaurant, 7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111, (858) 560-1747
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to “Convivio” a non-profit society helping to maintain cultural heritage in Little Italy. Online via https://givebutter.com/ contribute, or call (888) 862-4825 to learn more.