On 11-13-14 Andrew “Andy” Paul Szymanski lost his battle with Parkinson. Andy was born June 2, 1940 at Mercy Hospital to Andrew G Szymanski and Marguerite Helena Michaels. The eldest of 4, Andy was a Coronado native who graduated from Sacred Heart Elementary School, Saint Augustine High School, San Diego City College and attend San Diego State. After a short time with the Navy Reserves, Andy spent his entire career (spanning 40 years) at NAS North Island starting as a machinist apprentice, then a financial manager and finally working for the Department of Defense as a Senior Auditor. After a retiring in 1999 from NASNI, Andy worked for Wylie Labs as a financial analyst and retired for a second time in 2011. In 1968, Andy married Pearl Acquaro and together they have raised 3 children and have enjoyed time with their 2 granddaughters. Besides building his Coronado family home in 1972, Andy was the general contractor for many homes, the Coronado Veterinary Hospital and to many remodels to count.
Andy always gave his time and knowledge to the community of Coronado and was best known as Mr. 4th of July. Andy spent 53 years being involved in the Coronado 4th of July Annual Celebration. His involvement in the celebration started as a teenager doing traffic control as a Junior Police Officer. When he was 20 years old, he continued volunteering through Active 20/30. After joining the committee, Andy held almost every position and is best known for his 15 years in the role of President. He resigned in 2013 due to his health and his three children are continuing his legacy. Andy was one of the founding members of the Coronado Soccer Association and could be found on the soccer field either as a coach or a referee on any given Saturday. For nearly 20 years, neighbors found themselves inside Andy’s family home or garage to cast their votes on Election Day. Andy was equally involved in Boy Scouts Troop 801, Friends of The Coronado Public Library, Coronado Optimist, Sacred Heart Parish Church and Sacred Heart Parish School.
With Andy’s generous giving to Coronado, he received several awards to include; The Lewis Hardy Award (jointly award with his wife Pearl), The Coronado Crown Award, Sacred Heart Parish Church Family of the Year, numerous proclamations from the City and State. The City of Coronado also declared July 4, 2013 as Andy Szymanski, “Mr 4th of July” Day.
Andy’s departure was preceded by his parents and brother Allen. Andy is survived by his wife Pearl, children David, Laura and Michelle, granddaughters, Paulette and Natalie, brother Mike (Kathy) Szymanski, sister Joan Barham and extended family members.
Services for Andy will be held at Friday, November 21st at 5:30pm at Sacred Heart Church located at 706 C Ave in Coronado, Ca. Reception immediately to follow at Coronado Golf Course located at 2000 Visalia Row in Coronado, Ca.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. A TEAM FOX page has been created for Andy – click here.
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Related: Union Tribune 2008 Article: The Big Day for Mr. 4th of July
