ANDREW B. SAVIANO Sr.

1921 - 2017

SAVIANO, Andrew B., Sr. Of Winchester, August 12, 2017. Beloved husband of Florence Theresa (Giaimo). Loving father of Andrew B., Jr. and his wife Lynda H. of Halifax, MA and Maria T. Saviano and her wife Patricia McGarry of Reading. Brother of the late Louis, Victor, Frank, Phillip "Don", Joe, Steven, Flonnie Capprini and Nettie Comunale. Dear grandfather of Megan Saviano of Halifax, MA, and Lance Corporal Andrew M. "Drew" Saviano of Camp Pendleton, CA. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and sisters and brothers-in-law. Andy, as he was affectionately known, was born in 1921 in East Boston, MA to Italian immigrants Sofia and Aniello Saviano. He was one of nine siblings, and second-youngest. Andrew had his mother's entrepreneurial spirit, working in his mother's store on Shelby Street. He graduated from East Boston High School. Andrew's mother encouraged him to continue his education. Recognizing the opportunity, Andrew enrolled in the Massachusetts Radio and Telegraph School in Boston. Graduating and receiving his Radio Telegraph license in 1941 opened up a world of which Andrew had never dreamed. For he had embarked upon his dream job – he drove to Miami, FL, and began what would be a decade-long career with Pan American Airways, as a Flight Radio Operator, flying all over the world in the cockpits of the S42 and S43 Pan Am Clipper Ships, or what used to be called 'the flying boats'. He transmitted and received all flight communications by radiotelegraph, and Morse code. Andrew made hundreds of trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights, flying routes in both land and seaplanes in the West Indies, Central and South America, Europe, Middle East, Far East, Africa, Azores, Bermuda, Greenland and Iceland. This would not be his only job in life - but it was his favorite, and one he spoke of with pride and fond memories - to anyone who would listen! - until his last days of life. Andrew served his country in WWII, as a US Army Private, instructing radio operating procedure, and later, as a Merchant Marine for the US Coast Guard. On one of his many trips back home to visit family, he met Florence Giaimo, the woman who he would eventually follow back to Massachusetts for good, who would be the love of his life, and who would become his wife of 60 years, and the mother of his two children Andrew and Maria. With Florence's dedication to home and family, Andrew was able to begin his second career as a Staff Electronics Engineer at MIT Lincoln Laboratories. Andrew devoted 33 years to MIT, and had the honor of working with many wonderful engineers and professionals. Andrew and Florence made a home in Melrose, MA, where their first child, Andrew, was born. Eventually, they moved to Winchester, where they settled for good, and had their second child, Maria. When not working, Andrew could be found in his woodworking shop where he made a hobby of woodturning bowls and hand-carving shore birds. Andrew also enjoyed being in his vegetable garden, spending time with his extended family, riding his bicycle, or at the Winchester Library. Andrew's family expanded, and he had even more to be proud of, finding quiet joy in watching his grandchildren Megan and Drew grow up. Andrew taught his son and daughter the meaning of hard work, and passed on to them the value of learning, and the love of honing a craft. He may not have put the tools in their hands, but he taught by example. He had a quiet but witty sense of humor. His neatness was evidenced by his penmanship, and by the way he dressed – he seldom went out without wearing a tie! Andrew's family would like to recognize the entire staff at the Winchester Nursing and Rehab Center, and Beacon Hospice for the tender care they gave to Andrew in his last two years of life.Andrew's family is forever grateful. Things you might not know about Andrew – he went to art school on the GI Bill. He owned a horse and a restaurant in FL. And, he was a ham radio operator, known by his Ham Radio call sign 'W1 - NHM'. So, it seems fitting that it should be said one more time, on Andrew's behalf, 'this is W1 - NHM, Over and Out'. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., WINCHESTER, on Wednesday, August 16 from 4-8PM, and again on Thursday for a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

View the online memorial for Andrew B., Sr. SAVIANO