Andrew (Andy) Canino, age 78 of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully with family at his side on July 27, 2023. Born and raised in Chicago, it was at Gage Park High School where this energetic, hard-working son of Italian immigrants caught the eye of a young girl with beautiful long brown hair. Her name was Patricia (Patti) Ann Mahlfeldt and she was smitten with Andy. Patti secretly found out where Andy had classes so she could run up flights of stairs and through the hallways to be outside of his classroom when the bell rang. She did all this just to catch a glimpse of him….and maybe he would see her there too. Eventually, they went to their first dance together and WON the dance competition! That night sealed their fate as lifelong dance partners. They married on September 11, 1965. Starting with that first magical night, Andy and Patti have been dancing for 62 years through life's many exciting and wonderful journeys.

Andy worked constantly and diligently to care for his family. Most importantly, he showed great love with action, words and his faith in God. He was an extraordinary father and exemplary husband. Later in life, he expanded his zeppelin-sized heart to love each grandchild and great-grandchild that entered their lives.Those grandchildren supplied Andy a fountain of pride that flowed continuously with updates on each of their accomplishments and happy moments.

His family was everything to Andy, but above all others, he had a profound love and adoration for his Patti, wife of almost 58 years.

He will be remembered for his honest, generous heart and positive attitude, often singing a happy tune and making a joyful comment to those he would pass along his way.

Andrew was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother. He is survived by the love of his life, Patti; two daughters, Liesa Ann Dugan (Jim) and Cheryl Lynn Wittlock (Jamie); two brothers, Lewis and Vincent; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, starting with Mario Massi (Sarah), Vincent; Toni (Surall) Berry, Mariah, Jayden, Joy; Bobby Drake (Samantha) Mason,Caleb,Wayne,Maximus, Lucy; Travis; Brianna Zang(Zach), Weston, Aubrey; Danielle Dugan and Angela Dugan; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Anna (Poma) Canino and siblings; Joseph, Leonard, Eugene, Benjamin, Elmer and Dominic; Elvira Bacastow and Theresa Puhr.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 9:30am at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church 5 SE 17th St Ocala, Fl

Internment immediately following at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens 5050 SW 20th St, Ocala Fl

There will be a Memorial Luncheon at The Lodge in Candler Hills at 1:00pm 8139 SW 90th Terrace Rd Ocala Fl 34481.

In appreciation for the compassionate care he received while at Cates House, donations in honor of Andrew Canino can be made to Hospice of Marion County- Cates House. P.O.Box 4860, Ocala Fl 34478