Obituary
Andrew (Andy) Canino, age 78 of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully with family at his side on July 27, 2023. Born and raised in Chicago, it was at Gage Park High School where this energetic, hard-working son of Italian immigrants caught the eye of a young girl with beautiful long brown hair. Her name was Patricia (Patti) Ann Mahlfeldt and she was smitten with Andy. Patti secretly found out where Andy had classes so she could run up flights of stairs and through the hallways to be outside of his classroom when the bell rang. She did all this just to catch a glimpse of him….and maybe he would see her there too. Eventually, they went to their first dance together and WON the dance competition! That night sealed their fate as lifelong dance partners. They married on September 11, 1965. Starting with that first magical night, Andy and Patti have been dancing for 62 years through life‘s many exciting and wonderful journeys.
Andy worked constantly and diligently to care for his family. Most importantly, he showed great love with action, words and his faith in God. He was an extraordinary father and exemplary husband. Later in life, he expanded his zeppelin-sized heart to love each grandchild and great-grandchild that entered their lives.Those grandchildren supplied Andy a fountain of pride that flowed continuously with updates on each of their accomplishments and happy moments.
His family was everything to Andy, but above all others, he had a profound love and adoration for his Patti, wife of almost 58 years.
He will be remembered for his honest, generous heart and positive attitude, often singing a happy tune and making a joyful comment to those he would pass along his way.
Andrew was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother. He is survived by the love of his life, Patti; two daughters, Liesa Ann Dugan (Jim) and Cheryl Lynn Wittlock (Jamie); two brothers, Lewis and Vincent; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, starting with Mario Massi (Sarah), Vincent; Toni (Surall) Berry, Mariah, Jayden, Joy; Bobby Drake (Samantha) Mason,Caleb,Wayne,Maximus, Lucy; Travis; Brianna Zang(Zach), Weston, Aubrey; Danielle Dugan and Angela Dugan; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Anna (Poma) Canino and siblings; Joseph, Leonard, Eugene, Benjamin, Elmer and Dominic; Elvira Bacastow and Theresa Puhr.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023
at 9:30am at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church
5 SE 17th St Ocala, Fl
Internment immediately following at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens
5050 SW 20th St, Ocala Fl
There will be a Memorial Luncheon at The Lodge in Candler Hills
at 1:00pm
8139 SW 90th Terrace Rd Ocala Fl 34481.
In appreciation for the compassionate care he received while at Cates House, donations in honor of Andrew Canino can be made to Hospice of Marion County- Cates House. P.O.Box 4860, Ocala Fl 34478
Andy and Pat-Very Special People. Pat we send you our Love.
Andy will be so missed by anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path. We are from the dance group that was so Blessed to have them and I can't express the awe I have for everything they did for the Sidekicks. The perfect pair-so kind and loving. Organized to the absolute top of the scale. In perfect synch and never skipping a beat-on the dance floor or putting together a wonderful party! We will miss you so much Andy. Your perfect little smile -just like in your picture here. Until we all dance together again-Colin and I send our Love to Pat and your beautiful family. Thank you for being so special -you never will be forgotten.
Friends forever, Linda and Colin
So glad we were all together in February of this year! We will forever remember Uncle Andy’s positive disposition and the twinkle in his eye.
They were HS sweethearts AND they stayed together!
How fitting that they went to a dance contest and won on that first date….because that’s my last memory of him….so happy dancing with my Aunt, his “bride” of many years at the wedding we all attended last August….so full of life! I even have a video of them !
Another memory from when I was young was when he took me kite flying (one of my fav activities). I will always remember my Uncle Andrew for his sweet and gentle spirit and kind heart! ❤️
I will truly miss him!
So sorry for the loss of your father. I always remember him as loving the grand-girls so much! How beautiful you got to call him “dad”. Prayers. Julie stedwill
Dinner at Columbia with flamingo
New years eve 2019 with the whole gang
New years eve.
Dinner at Columbia restaurant with flamingo dancers