Andrew N. Cianfaglione
Andrew “Andy” N. Cianfaglione, age 98, of Leroy Township, passed away Aug. 13, 2025, at his home.
Born Feb. 28, 1927, in Douglas, W. Va., he was honored in 2021 as one of three of Leroy Township’s longest-time residents.
He was a devoted husband, father of six; grandfather of 11; and great-grandfather of nine. He was known as “Papa.” He loved all his babies and watching all of them grow up over the years.
Andy proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class and was honorably discharged on Aug. 31, 1946.
Andrew married the love of his life, Carolyn (nee Myers), in Tucker County, West Virginia, on May 24, 1947. They had a long and blessed marriage for 73 years before her passing in 2020.
He enjoyed traveling with Carolyn to visit family and friends and to support six children and grandchildren in their hobbies and activities. He quietly guided his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unconditional love and support.
Known as “Poppa C” at Poppa C’s Sunoco store to many in the local community for years. He worked side by side with his wife, Carolyn, and was known by many “local regulars” for his morning breakfast sandwiches. Many friends and family stopped in daily to have a cup of coffee, a meal or help put the Sunday papers together.
Andy was a residential builder and land developer of many subdivisions in Lake and Geauga counties since 1950. Many of his custom-built homes still stand proud today as a testament to the precision and pride he took in his craft that carried his name, Andrew Cianfaglione Builders.
Our own St. Francis of Assisi, he had a deep connection to nature and animals. He liked to farm his land as he did when growing up in West Virginia. He raised beef and pigs that fed his family. He grew corn and fields of hay to feed his animals.
On his time off from building, he was often seen on the farm on his John Deere tractors—plowing, planting, bailing hay, mowing grass. He worked from sun up to sun down, yet still had time for family life, his faith, friends and good home-cooked food!
Growing up during the depression, he was a frugal man and often spoke of how growing up his family used every part of a pig, except the squeal!
Papa encouraged his children and grandchildren in their 4-H projects with their animals and was a proud supporter of the Lake County 4-H fair and auctions. He enjoyed gardening—a labor of love and pride. His loving hands raised many plants for the family garden, family members, friends and the community. Poppa C’s tomato and pepper plants have been enjoyed by many over the years.
He loved his dogs and his cat, Socks, and enjoyed feeding and watching birds of all kinds, especially the Baltimore Orioles and Hummingbirds when they returned each year.
He was a devout Catholic and a contributing member of St. Mary of the Assumption, Mentor, Ohio; St. Mary Catholic Church, Painesville, Ohio; and St. Patrick Church, Thompson Township, Ohio. He donated his carpentry skills on many church projects over the years.
Survivors include children Diana (Jack) Buchter, of Leroy Township, Susan Cianfaglione, of Norfolk, Va., Linda Lione, of Painesville Township, Trina (Jim) Palumbo, of Leroy Township, and Julia (Matt) Vallo, of Leroy Township; grandchildren, Jason, Jenny (Rich), Christi (Mickey) Saul, Jared, Lesley, Sonja (Jon) Schussler, Chaz (Kariann) Mead, Andrew, Jessica (Danny) LaRosa, Kyle and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Cory, Aven, Kira, Teagan, Brayden, Lina, Adley, Charlotte and Walker; siblings, Patricia Smith and Christina Beech, of Maryland; and many extended nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn (nee Myers); son Andrew William “Bill” Cianfaglione; and siblings, William “Gig” Cianfaglione, Thomas “Mossi” Cianfaglione, Joseph Cianfaglione, Emma Lee “Tootsie” Cianfaglione, Mary Elizabeth “Sob” Gennantonio and Eleanor Roberts.
A visitation for friends and family will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at St. Patrick Church 16550 Rock Creek Road, Thompson. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the interment at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Andrew Cianfaglione to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 or by going to www.hospicewr.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
