Andrew Licari

Andy Licari “The Brown Bomber from Biwabik” has Passed Away

Funeral Mass for Andrew Licari, 97, of Biwabik, will be 10am Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Biwabik, MN with Fr. Peter Lambert as celebrant. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with recitation of the rosary at 6:30pm.  Visitation will also be one hour prior to the mass at church.  Burial with military honors will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik.

Andrew John Licari was born June17, 1920 to Peter and Antoinina (Angello) Licari from Biwabik. He was one of six children.

Andy was baptized in the Catholic Church and was a life-long member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Biwabik. He served as an usher along with volunteering for many other events.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Andy was a life-long resident of Biwabik and retired from Inland Steel in 1989. He was a Jack of All Trades and owned and operated a grocery store in McKinley MN (1952-1964), salesman with honors for The Travelers and Prudential Insurance Companies, Fuller-Brush salesman and a school bus driver and janitor for the city of Biwabik (1966-1971)

Andy served in the Army during WWII and was stationed in Naples, Italy as an Anesthetist with the 300th General Hospital. While in the service, he became a Boxer and fought mainly at the Politico Theater commonly known as the “Madison Square Garden of Italy”.  He continued to box for the Golden Gloves and hung up the gloves in 1948 with 88 wins, 8 losses, and 70 wins by knockout.  He continued coaching the Golden Gloves throughout the Iron Range and Biwabik for 18 years.  He was a member of the American Legion for over 65 years and was a Volunteer Fireman for the City of Biwabik for 21 years.

Andy was united in marriage to the love of his life Rose (Germ) in 1942 and they had three daughters Dianne, Patricia and Janet. They enjoyed 66 years together until Roses’s death in 2009.

Andy was a very athletic man throughout his life lettering in football as a quarterback and specializing in Track and Field while he attended high school. When he was in his late 60’s, he participated in the Senior Olympics (1990-2005) winning over 100 Gold and Silver metals.  He was an extra in the movie North Country in 2005 and became “Mr. Hollywood” to his family.  He served as Grand Marshall in the Calithumpian Parade in 2010 at the age of 90 and insisted on walking down the Main Street instead of riding in a car.

Andy was a family man and was very proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He was always there to give advice and lend a helping hand.  He was the most caring loving and generous person not only to his family and friends but to those of need.  He truly had a “Heart of Gold.”  Dads favorite pastime was going to Fortune Bay playing the slots and socializing with friends.  His favorite pastime at Good Shepard was playing BINGO and listening to music.

He is survived by his daughters Dianne Guist (Bob) of Cambridge, MN, Patricia Jarva (Don) of Crystal Lake, IL and Janet Bizek (Buzz) of Osakis, MN.

9 Grandchildren: Michael, Cheryl, Debbie, Donna, Brenda, Linda, Roger, Bryan and Sarah.

15 Great Grandchildren

21 Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his wife Rose, parents, son, Peter in infancy Brothers Joseph, Samuel and Frank Sisters Rosalie and Madeline Son-in-law Larry Hafterson Great Granddaughter: Amanda Pedrys.