Andrew "Andy" Siri

Andrew "Andy" Siri February 21, 1933 – August 8, 2025 Andrew Siri passed away at 92 in his home with his daughters at his side. He was born in Dunsmuir, California to Andrew Siri of Vara (Genoa), Italy and Elise Kesseler of San Francisco. His parents sent him to kindergarten at the age of 4. Even though he was a year younger than his classmates throughout his schooling, his natural leadership traits began to form, serving him well throughout his life. He loved growing up in Dunsmuir…fishing, competing on the football and basketball teams and playing the trumpet in the high school dance band. Playing music is how he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Vera Baccilieri, who played the piano in the band. He also felt honored to often play echo taps at the cemetery for Dunsmuir soldiers. By the age of 12, Andy began working for his dad, a builder, on weekends and in the summer. He loved construction and after high school pursued his engineering degree from Heald's Engineering in San Francisco. While at school for those two years, he enjoyed the sights and sounds of living in North Beach with his uncle. Shortly after he finished college in 1952, he married Vera, both 19 years old. It was a 2-day honeymoon to Carmel because he had to get back to work with his dad on Monday. They settled in a house his father built on West I Street in Benicia. Within six months, Andy was drafted into the Army and proudly served for two years at Fort Ord as a drill sergeant. After the Army, Andy continued working with his dad under the company name Andrew Siri and Son until Andrew Sr. retired. Andy soon thereafter incorporated the business to Siri Construction Co. Vera was his secretary and bookkeeper, overseeing all of the office. They initially built several homes in Benicia, but transitioned into commercial construction specializing in schools throughout Solano, Contra Costa, Marin and Yolo counties. He was always proud of building local, notably Benicia Middle School, Joe Henderson School, the Chamber of Commerce Building, St. Patrick's Brothers Residence and St. Dominic's Parish Hall as well as retrofitting both St. Paul's Episcopal and St. Dominic's Churches. In 1967 Andy came upon a property on West H Street in Benicia to build his dream home. He worked weekends building the house which was completed in 1970 and added a dock in 1976. In 1992, he and Vera went back to their roots and bought a little vacation house in Dunsmuir on the Sacramento River where they loved to fish and enjoy the community where they met. While still in his 50s, before closing his business, he had the foresight to convert his construction yard on Benicia Road into a mini storage; and soon after built a second mini storage in the Benicia Industrial Park. Andy served on Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Planning Commission and Solano Planning Commission for several years in the 1960s. He was a governor of Benicia's 20-30 Club, a member of the Virtus Club in Crockett, Benicia Rotary, Native Sons of the Golden West, Sons of Italy, Benicia Bocce and dancing with Vera at the Moose. Andy loved hosting parties and was welcoming to anyone entering his home. His and Vera's home on the Carquinez Strait was always full of fun and laughter. He had a positive outlook; no matter the circumstance, he made a little fun out of it. Even through his progressing dementia, he never lost his quick-witted sense of humor nor did he forget to say a thoughtful prayer before each evening meal. He was tough but fair in business, always honest, kind and respectful. He cared deeply for his family and was ready to give a helping hand to his friends. Andy was predeceased by his wife, Vera. He is survived by his daughters Beverley Borelli (Ron) and Jeanette Nyland (Greg), his granddaughters Emma Ryder (Richard) and Elise Kimball (Parker) and his sister Eleanor Brodie (Dave). Vigil services will be held Tuesday, August 19, 6:00 pm at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. A mass will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 11:00 am at St. Dominic's Church followed by a burial at All Souls Cemetery. Please visit the online tribute at: www. Donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund www.curealz.org or a charity that is meaningful to you and Andy.