Andrew Jack Piantanida

It is with heavy hearts that the daughters of Andrew "Andy" Jack Piantanida, 56, announce that he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while at a celebration with family on April 21, 2025. Andy was born in Long Branch, New Jersey on June 24, 1968 to Donald "Don" Piantanida and Barbra Jayne (B.J.) Storz. His siblings were Donald Timothy "Little Donnie" Piantanida, who died at birth on October 12, 1961, sister Heather Melanie (Matt) Hoadley, and twin brother Mark Donald (Alicia) Piantanida. His father established a home from the ground up in Downey, Idaho and was a farrier. Don was known for his hard work and skill at his trade.

Andy attended Marsh Valley High School and graduated in 1986. He pursued a Bachelor's degree in social work at Idaho State University, after which his career was spent as the ultimate humanitarian and his influence was felt by many throughout his years. His efforts had a ripple effect, and he grew to be well respected in his field, known to have background as a juvenile probation officer as well as a hospital social worker for many in dire need.

He is survived by his four daughters: Jade Courtney (Michael) Andersen, Lexi Taylor (Jaxsen) Piantanida, Brooklyn Bethany Piantanida, and Annabella Paige Piantanida; and his grandchildren: Albinka May Wojcik, Finnick Douglas Andersen, and Autumn Kay Lyon.

Born and raised Roman Catholic, later being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was a man of faith and loved reflecting upon doctrine and prayer throughout his life. He was passionate about what he did and wore his emotions on his sleeve, inspiring this passion in others. He had a way of making all animals that he encountered fall in love with him (often to his dismay).

He was incredibly well-read on a huge variety of topics, and this was reflected by the copious amounts of annotated works throughout his library. His left-handedness made his writing distinctively slanted, angular, and often scribbled. He was a math whiz and always had an answer to his daughters' questions. In absolutely everything he did, he put them first. He was a provider and a protector and very humble.

Andy was a charmer with natural magnetism that attracted others to him. He had a friendliness that could turn casual conversation with a perfect stranger into a new trivia night buddy. His friends were many and even better, they all were genuine. Andy and his daughters will be forever grateful for the many friendships he enjoyed in life and that his girls still have the privilege to carry on today.

His legendary love for cannolis, 80s pop culture, the Pope, Oxford Peak, and the Yankees was known far and wide. But above all, his love for his daughters was unmistakable. You could not convince him that there was a better way to spend time than to eat New York style pizza, then watch and poke fun at a terrible, B-list, 80s movie with his girls.

His daughters were the highlight of his life, and this was clear through his conversations and everyday actions. His random, "casual" gift of a tool or keepsake will be treasured all the more. He cracked stupid jokes at the right time and knew how to turn a negative situation into something to laugh at and, ultimately, learn from. His loss is devastating, and he will be profoundly missed.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all of their dear friends and family members for their support in so many ways. They would also like to extend their thanks to Wilks Funeral Home for their patience and guidance.

There are so many who have rushed to the aid of the Piantanida girls in their time of sorrow. Thank you so much. We will forever feel and remember this outpouring of love. 

The family is deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to Andy's funeral expenses, including Shawn Lowry and Joshua D Smith & Associates as well as all those listed under donations below.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID. A viewing will be held prior beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow the service at the Downey City Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.