John Andreini

1927 - 2018

Giovanni Aurelio Andreini (John)

November 10, 1927 - July 27, 2018

Husband of Linda Andreini. Father to Marc, Peter, Lisa, Tia, Adam and Adrianna. Grandfather to 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brothers Georgio and Romano and sister Giovanna also survive him.
"For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23-7.
A giant of a man whose accomplishments coupled with self-sacrifice and generosity and a spirit to serve others has inspired countless individuals to reach a higher calling in life.
Born in Los Angeles, California shortly before moving to San Mateo, John attended St. Catherine's grade school and San Mateo High School until leaving to join the Merchant Marines at age 17 during World War II, serving in the South Pacific in Iwo Jima for two years.
Upon returning from the war, John settled down and started a family working two and three jobs at a time to make ends meet. This early pressure was the beginning of John's drive to succeed. With help and advice from his father, Giovanni (who was born in 1888 in Florence Italy and immigrated to Los Angeles before World War I), John decided to launch his first business at age 23. John's following list of accomplishments quickly became his platform for a lifetime of good deeds and service to others. As an employer of hundreds of people whose careers have flourished, as a mentor and a positive role model, he inspired so many he came into contact with throughout his life. He was a man of his word, tireless worker, and had a core of integrity.
He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
His list of achievements includes but are not limited to:
Founder and CEO of Andreini & Company, established in 1951 and headquartered in San Mateo, California with branches across the United States. One of the largest privately held Insurance Brokerages in the United States, ranking consistently at #50 among the top 100 insurance firms in the country.
Owner with wife Linda of JL Ranch in Paicines, California, a highly regarded 2,600 acre Quarter Horse racing and breeding farm, which has bred and raced a wide range of exceptional Quarter Horses.
Established family owned and operated grape growing operations covering some 3,000 acres throughout California's Central Valley under the names of L&J Farms and Cortona Vineyard.
Owned JSJ Harvesting, an independent wine grape harvesting company serving vineyards in the Central Valley of California.
Appointed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve two terms as one of seven California Horse Racing Commissioners.
Served on numerous boards as a director including: CHRB (California Horse Racing Board), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), PCQHRA (Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association) and Cow Palace.
Affiliated with and served on various banking institution boards.
Developed a number of commercial and residential properties over the years including Village Green Assisted Living Health Care Facility in Gilroy, California.
Was one of four partners in All American Ruidoso Downs Racing, LLC and All American Ruidoso Horse Sales, LLC. These companies operate a horse racing facility, casino and horse sales company in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018 at Crosby N. Gray Funeral Home, 2 Park Road, Burlingame, CA, 94010 followed by a funeral Mass, Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1310 Bayswater Avenue, Burlingame, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the All American Ruidoso Downs Foundation – John Andreini Scholarship Fund, PO Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico 88346, in memory of John Andreini.