Andrew Angelo Fioriti

Andrew Angelo Fioriti, known as Andy to friends and as Bub to his loving wife Claire, was born December 17, 1928 in Perugia, Italy.  He and his mother, Mary (Vecchietti) Fioriti, immigrated to the United States and arrived at Ellis Island April 11, 1932.   There they reunited with his father, Fortunato, who had preceded their arrival, and the family settled in Scranton Pennsylvania.

He met his partner for life, Claire Ellen McFarland, on a blind date when they were both attending university in PA... Andy at the University of Scranton and Claire at Marywood University.  They married on January 28th, 1961 and were each other’s constant companions, champions and source of strength for the next nearly 63 years.  Up until just a month before Andy’s passing, the two were cuddling on their sofa, and whispering I love you’s to each other.

Andy had a long and successful career at the University of Dayton where he brought his love of people, accounting, education and teaching, to impact the lives of countless students over his 30+ years career.  His students lovingly referred to him as “Coach” as he was prone to lectures that went into areas far beyond accounting.  He cared deeply about his students and believed in their abilities.  Nothing made him happier than to see his students succeed both at school and beyond.

Andy retired from the University of Dayton as Professor Emeritus in 1996.  After retirement, he and Claire moved to Jacksonville, Florida where they found the most incredible group of friends, and neighbors as well as the community and parishioners of San Juan Del Rio Church.  The support they have received during this difficult time is a testament to this community and to the kind of love Andy and Claire gave to all whom they met.

Andy passed away on December 20, 2023, just three days after his 95th birthday.  Andy’s health declined rapidly after a fall in early November.  He died peacefully, under hospice care and with his family all together.

Andy is survived by his wife Claire and their children: daughter, Carol Thomerson, husband Keith, granddaughter Kallan, fiancé Nick and great grandson River; daughter Janet Fioriti and grandsons Josh and Jayden; son Greg Fioriti, wife Susie and grandchildren, John, Matt and Grace; his sister Ann Marie and nephews Sam and Jared.

He will be forever loved and missed for his unwavering devotion to his family, and his faith and for the support, guidance, and counsel he provided to everyone he knew.  His dry sense of humor and genuine interest in each person he met made him a happy part of so many people’s lives.  The planet stopped for a moment to gently let go of this kind soul and we are confident his smile and spirit will twinkle upon us each night as we sleep, in every star we see.  Bye bye pappa, we love you so much.