Andrew J. Bolognani

BURLINGTON- Andrew J. Bolognani, 60, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, at the UVM Medical Center.  Andrew was born on October 15, 1962, in North Adams, MA.  He was the son of Ernest and Gundi Bolognani, of Readsboro. 
Andrew grew up in Readsboro and attended Drury High School in North Adams, MA.  He earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Vermont in 1984.  Following graduation Andrew worked at banks in Burlington and Boston. He then realized his passion for helping others, and worked for learning-impaired adults and was a Big Brother.
Andrew had a gift that enabled him to work with students with learning disabilities.  In 1990 he managed after-school programs at the Landmark School in Beverly, MA.  He also instructed dyslexic students in math, reading, and writing.  In 1992 Andrew joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Honduras.  It was during this time that he started having symptoms of multiple sclerosis and he returned home to Vermont.  This disease would change his life and those around him for the next 31 years.  While working at the Fair Haven Union High School, Andrew earned his MAE in Special Education from Castleton University.  Upon graduation Andrew worked in several schools teaching math and tutoring.  Finally, Andrew moved back to Burlington and worked at the Stern Center in Williston. 
Andrew lived the latter part of his life at Cathedral Square in Burlington. The care he received from this loving community was outstanding, and they became like family.  Former caregivers loved him deeply and visited him in the nursing home and hospital during his last days.  Andrew enjoyed being around people. He always wanted to know how you were doing and never forgot to ask about your loved ones.  He never complained about the difficulties he experienced with MS.
Andrew was a person of great faith, who prayed daily and offered all his joy and suffering up to God.  He was a member of St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church and a Knight of Columbus.  You always were a happier person for being in his presence.  Friends and family visited Andrew daily, bringing their sorrows and happy stories to share.
He enjoyed eating sushi while watching a Celtics or Yankees game with friends.  He loved visiting with his nieces and getting a chance to hear about all of their adventures.  He often gave loving advice and was also the person who just listened. Andrew led by example and touched anyone who met him. 
Andrew leaves his loving parents Ernest and Gundi Bolognani, of Readsboro; sister Tina (Bolognani) Rampone and husband Mark Rampone, of Castleton; and three nieces, Abby Rampone, of Chicago, Katherine Rampone, of Winooski, and Sophia Rampone, of Monkton.  He also leaves his best friends, Mark Franceschetti, of Charlotte; Bob Hyams, of Hinesburg; John Sudarsky, of Charlotte; and VJ Comai, of Charlotte.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on  Saturday, May 6, at 12:30 pm at St. Joachim’s Church in Readsboro. Donations can be made to the Red Cross or a charity of choice in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home For Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247.  
To add to the book of memories visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.