Andrew Frank Balandis

Andrew Frank Andy Balandis was born on January 14, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, to William and Veronica (Hoaman) Balandis. Andy grew up and went to school in Brooklyn, though he quit high school to work with his dad in real estate.

At the age of 20, Andy was called on to serve his country during World War II. He joined the US Army and was stationed in the Philippines as a truck driver, mechanic and cook. He found that he enjoyed driving truck and went on to make it his career for 38 years. During that time, Mr. B co-owned his own trucking company. On the weekends, Andy returned to his real estate roots. He held a Real Estate Brokers license and sold real estate throughout his life. He made his last deal at the age of 77!

On January 26, 1952, Andrew married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Betty Taylor Lindsay at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Brooklyn, New York. After they were married, Andrew and Betty moved to Alhambra, California and later settled in Whittier, California which became their permanent home. The couple had three sons, Drew, Steve and Mark and shared 65 years of marriage together.

Andy enjoyed reading, especially Edgar Allan Poe and stories about Sherlock Holmes. He was also a big fan of Laurel and Hardy movies. Post retirement, Andy enjoyed gardening and always had a beautiful yard. He appreciated beauty and always carried a camera to capture it. He was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church in Whittier, the VFW, and he was a Boy Scout Leader for over 25 years. Late in his Scouting career, Mr. B was proud to become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.

Andy was once called A diamond in the rough by a dear friend, Ruth Glennon. His sons would agree. They remember him as a wonderful father and grandfather and will miss him greatly.

On January 20, 2018, Andrew passed away at his home in Whittier, California, at the age of 95. He is survived by two sons, Drew (Teresa) and Steve,; two grandchildren, Julia (Donato) Pilla and Drew (Ashley) Balandis, Jr.; and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Harrison Pilla, and Norah and Maeve Balandis. He was preceded in death by his son Mark Balandis, and his grandson, Taylor Balandis.