Andrew Anthony Menna

Father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, animal lover, World War II Veteran and artist, Andrew "Andy" Menna, passed away on June 6, 2019 at the age of 93. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances "Carlie" Menna, mother Julia (Fosso) Menna, his father Andrew A. Menna, his sisters Bridget ("Betty") Modugno, Ellena Clements, Mary Custo, and two brothers Salvatore and Joseph Menna. Born on December 8, 1925 in Everett, Massachusetts where he lived briefly and spent most of his young life in Medford, Masschusetts. He grew up with his childhood sweetheart, Frances "Carlie" Phillips; whom he later married. As a young man, he was the lead singer in the John Conta Band of Medford. Andy served in the 71st Infantry Division in World War II as a lad of 18, frequently sent on missions as a "scout", sketching the dangerous terrain ahead for the troops. His division helped liberate Gunskirchen Lager in Austria as the Germans fled, leaving the starving, dying refugees behind. Andrew was also a member of the division Glee Club, and once provided singing entertainment for General Patton. Returning home from the war, he married his first love, Carlie, and studied and received his B.A. Boston University. During this time, he worked through school and welcomed Joyce, their first born. Three years later came Andrea and soon thereafter Carlie. During those years, the family lived in Concord and Lincoln and finally settled in Belmont, Massachusetts. Andrew and Carlie always adorned their homes with many beautiful flowering trees and plants. Andrew always made space for a well-stocked vegetable gardens. Andrew took up scientific pursuits in chemistry and materials science working for Lincoln Labs and Tyco Labs, and later, for many years at Mobil Solar Energy Corporation. Using his art understanding of color and material crystal growth skills in the development of modern solar energy cell materials. Through the encouragement of his family, he developed his talent for art and studied oil and watercolor painting. He became quite proficient as a painter as well as an art teacher and was well loved as an instructor at Belmont Art and Lexington Arts and Crafts. Andrew and Carlie, and their family, own the Barn Gallery in Rockport, Massachsuetts, where his paintings now hang. His artwork has been collected worldwide and is also a long-time member of the North Shore Art Association in Gloucester. Rockport and its warm neighborhood community became Andrews second family through the many passing years providing much support when his beloved Carlie died in 2005. The neighborhood group on Bearskin Neck embraced him and have always taken loving care of him and his family. We will truly miss this Renaissance man. Andrew could fix anything broken, build a house, nurture an injured plant, tree or animal and was a fund of scientific and artistic knowledge. He could also offer his medical knowledge and aid during any family emergency. Andrew had a wonderful singing voice and would often sing or play his harmonica with his grandchildren. "Papa", as his grandchildren knew him, was a prolific chef, and would often spend time giving his wealth of culinary skills and recipes to his children and grandchildren. He and Carlie provided many magical holiday gatherings for family and friends. Andrew leaves behind three daughters; Jasmine (Joyce) Menna and husband John Murphy, of Salem, New Hampshire, Andrea Menna Taylor and husband Maurice Brodeur, of Concord, Massachusets, and Carlie Menna and husband Carl LaPierre of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Andrew also leaves behind three grandchildren; Dr. Andrea Brodeur and husband Tom Colban of Hamden, Connecticut, Daniel Brodeur and wife Miceala Baliestiero of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and Cristin Menna-LaPierre and Jason Physic of Everett, Massachusetts. Andrew was blessed with one great-grandchild, Hope Physic. Andrew also leaves behind the many caring neighbors and friends of his Rockport Community. His Graveside Service will be held at Locust Grove Cemetery,104 Langford street, Gloucester on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 1 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Andrew's name may be made to The Salvation Army, Attn: Development, 25 Shawmut Rd., Canton, MA 02021 or to the North Shore Arts Association, 11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01966. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.