Andrew Gianulis

1948 - 2024

Andrew Gianulis

March 24, 1948 - November 15, 2024

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew John Gianulis, aged 76, on November 15, 2024, far too soon for all who loved him. He was a proud father and grandfather who was legendary with his larger than life stature and personality. Known for his catcher's mitt handshakes, bear hugs, dad jokes, unsolicited advice and quick wit, Andy was a source of light to everyone around him. While his time with us was cut unexpectedly short, the love and memories he gave us will endure forever.

Andrew was born on March 24, 1948, and spent much of his childhood and young adult years in Andalusia, where he was raised alongside his parents and two sisters. His days were filled with hard work through farm chores, including caring for the cows and sheep. He would recall how his mother would be waiting at the door with a warm towel for any baby animals born overnight, a simple act of love that stayed with him throughout his life. When he wasn't tending to the farm, Andrew would immerse himself in games of cowboys and Indians, a love for the Wild West that never faded. Even as an adult, he carried that sense of adventure with him, always drawn to the spirit of the frontier, whether through the stories he told or the movies he watched.

His father instilled in him a strong work ethic, while his mother nurtured his sense of curiosity and humor. After graduating from high school, Andrew went on to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he majored in Engineering. Upon earning his degree, he followed his passion for teaching and worked alongside his mother at Andalusia Grade School. For those fortunate enough to sit at the kitchen table and receive his help with homework, it was clear that his true calling lay elsewhere. It wasn't long before he made the career change to John Deere, a move that he was immensely proud of, especially for the life he could provide his family.

He married Jacquelyn Ellis and they had three kids. His family was his unwavering priority. Nights were filled with after-dinner outdoor games. Andy was the king of kickball, wiffleball, and backyard races. While mom was reading bedtime stories and trying to get them calm for slumber, Andy liked to provide animation and background theatrics by gnashing his teeth and stomping his feet on a journey with Max to Where the Wild Things are. Further, you may have seen him at the Aqualetic or Whitewater Junction; He was the tall guy orchestrating games surrounded by kids from very trusting strangers. He coached all of his kids sports teams and didn't miss a game. He was the strongest man his kids knew; they were convinced their dad could beat Hulk Hogan in the ring. He raised his kids with the highest of expectations and his kids are left wealthy in the everyday lessons and wisdom he pressed upon them: bucked off Bandit & get up and get back on; Duct tape and elbow grease fix most things; Doors will slam shut, but there are always more that open wide and whichever door his kids chose, they would have his unwavering support.

The light in Andy's life shone brightest when he was with his grandkids. With a twinkle in his eye, a love for mischief, and a true sense of fun, he made every moment special. Whether it was reading stories, dominating the game night table, enjoying movie nights, hosting slumber parties, or singing lullabies, those everyday moments will stay with us forever. And then there were the legendary moments: slip-n-slides with grandkids perched on his lap, tubing down the Mississippi, and cannonballs into the pool-as if there was no other way to enter.

Andrew has always been a kid at heart and in retirement, his shoulders relaxed a little more. He loved golfing, water volleyball, boating, bobbing in the pool, and his "boys gone wild" trips. The hardest retirement rule he needed to follow was "no spiking the volleyball" on Mondays. A proud achievement came when he hit his hole-in-on with his buddies on hole #17! Andrew was fortunate to have a circle of friends who weren't just companions, but a second family. He truly made the most of retirement, although cut way too short.

Andrew is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Jesse Schmidt; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Laura Gianulis; and his daughter, Elizabeth Hughes. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Ellis, Josie, Maddie, Gia, Beau, Bailey, and his namesake, Andi, as well as numerous grandpets who aggressively loved him. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, and his beloved wife.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Andrew Gianulis on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. This service is open to all who wish to honor his memory, but we kindly ask that it be attended by those who were closest to him, as we keep the gathering intimate and personal.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.