BCAT News

A Korean War veteran who dedicated his time to helping other veterans throughout his life has passed away.

Andrew A. “Andy” Giordano, a man who was always looking to help others, passed away at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on Monday morning, Nov. 22, 2021,” his obituary from Sullivan Funeral Home says. The beloved husband of 69 years of Rosemarie (Barufaldi) and devoted father to Andrew, Andy was 91 years old.

Andy was born and raised in Cambridge as one of five children born to the late Joseph and Josephine Giordano. He was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Andy was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Being a veteran would play an important role throughout his life.

Andy would meet his future wife Rosemarie and they married in 1952 and lived in Belmont until moving to Burlington in 1964 where he would become very involved in the community. When he moved to Burlington, he purchased the first home on his street and the developer named the street after him.

“Andy was a great provider, not only for his family, but for extended family, friends, and anyone in need,” his obituary reads.

Andy was a member of the Middlesex County Deputy Sheriff Association serving on its Executive Board with his cousin Mike Giacoppo, who was a Past President of the Association. For over 25 years they would provide over 100 Thanksgiving dinners annually with all the fixings for needy veterans in the area.

Andy was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Disabled and Limbless Veterans Organizations. Andy worked with his three close friends Mike McNulty, Alan McRae, and Dominic Marcellino on many of his veterans’ projects.

“His help for veterans in need extended beyond the town of Burlington,” his obituary reads. “He would do clothing drives, lunches, and all sorts of activities for the Veterans in Bedford, West Roxbury, and the Chelsea Soldiers Home. Andy was instrumental in installing a box at the Burlington Town Hall where people could discard their old and worn flags in the proper manner.

Along with his work for veterans he also was dedicated to the community and the children of Burlington.

“Andy was a role model to the young and each year would attend the Rotary Club of Burlington’s High School Interact Club and talk to the students about his service experience and work with them on their annual fundraiser ‘socks for veterans’,” his obituary reads. “In 2006 he was awarded the Rotary Club of Burlington Citizen of the Year given to non-Rotarians who made a significant contribution to their community.

In 2016 Andy was unanimously nominated as the Grand Marshall for the Town’s July 4th Parade. In 2015 he was presented the Distinguished Humanitarian Award. Throughout the years, Andy would also help contribute food and supplies to People Helping People.

“That was the kind of man he was, always putting the needs of others above his own,” his obituary reads. “Andy had a presence at every veteran’s event in Burlington whether it be selling poppy pins at the town elections to the Veterans Day and Memorial Day events in town. He was a good friend to the Veterans Office in Burlington always lending a hand or providing his thoughtful advice. For Memorial Day, together, Andy and Andrew used to place American flags at the graves of deceased veterans in the Burlington cemeteries.”

Click Here to read his full obituary.