Wood River—Andrew Charles "Andy" Ventimiglia, 87, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026 at his home surrounded by family.

Born Feb. 7, 1939 in Wood River, he was a son of Frank and Josephine (Annarino) Ventimiglia.

Andy was a talented football player in high school.  Nicknamed "Brown Bear", he earned a trophy that is still displayed in the trophy case at the school.  He worked as a laborer for Local #338 in Wood River, retiring at age 55.  Andy was a life-long member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, formerly St. Bernard's in Wood River.  He loved going to church and prayed the rosary every day.  He enjoyed playing golf with his brother Wally and traveling with his wife and children, visiting 49 of the 50 states and also visiting Canada. He also enjoyed going on cruises and drove with his wife to Alaska.  Other hobbies included playing cards, camping, and of course, spending time with his family.

He married Joyce Saul March 6, 1971 at the former St. Kevin's Catholic Church in Rosewood Heights.  She survives, as well as his four daughters, Julie (Chris) Scott, Sheri (Brian) Bellamy, Gina (Adam) Tassinari, and Stacy (Rickey) Militello, all of Wood River; 12 grandchildren, Bryler, Matthew, Breah, Rylee, Ian, Emily, Kortney, Justin, Andrew, Hadley, Nora and Addison; several great grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Wally and Sandy Ventimiglia, and a sister-in-law, Liz Saul, all of Wood River.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sarah Zangori and Connie Campbell; four brothers, Onofrio, Leo, Frank, and Anthony Ventimiglia; his parents-in-law, Wilbert and Anna Saul; and a brother-in-law, Kevin Saul.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 29 at Holy Angels Catholic Church.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Apr. 30 by Father Donald Wolford.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.

Memorials may be made to Holy Angels Catholic Church for masses.

Professional services entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, with online guestbook and information at www.paynicfh.com