Andrew John Kinane

Andrew John Kinane, 89, of Benicia CA entered into God’s kingdom on October 4th, 2023. He was born June 7th, 1934 to Mary and James Kinane in Chicago, Illinois. Andy was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and is survived by his wife, Sarah (Sally); daughters Mary, Maureen [Paul], Theresa; grandchildren Madelyn, Trevor and Dexter; sister Mercedes. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Cyril and sister, Mary Ellen. Andy had a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Philosophy from Marquette University. Being a civil engineer specializing in city planning allowed for lots of opportunity for travel and spending time in unique places. In some cases, he was the first city and county planner in the county! Andy met the love of his life, Sally Washburn at a singles dance in Chicago. A few months later he left Chicago and moved to Hawaii for 2 years. When he returned, he was walking in downtown Chicago and saw a young lady that reminded him of Sally. He gave Sally a call and that was the beginning of beautiful relationship and 54 years of marriage. Sally and Andy married in Illinois and moved to Wisconsin. Two years later, they moved to the tropical island of Guam where Andy got a job as a city planner. They loved living the island life and took this opportunity to travel and visit many countries in Asia and the south pacific. In 1975, they moved back to the states, settled in Napoleon OH and were blessed with their first child, Mary, followed by two other daughters, Maureen and Theresa. Setting off on another big adventure, the family moved to California in 1980. After briefly settling in Palo Alto, Andy had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream to build his own house. With a small number of friends, family and neighbors, he proceeded to spend the next several years building a house in Pine Mountain Lake, CA, near Yosemite. Not only did Andy build his own house, he also added inventive touches to make it energy efficient using solar technology before it’s time. In addition to working and raising his family, Andy had several other interests. Andy was a big fan of tennis and played recreationally into his retirement. He took writing classes and eventually fulfilled another dream of writing and publishing two books. He also had an opportunity to be an extra in a few movies. Andy enjoyed dancing whenever the opportunity arose, at weddings, family gatherings or just around the kitchen table. In retirement, Andy taught engineering classes at a Napa Valley Community College and co-organized the North Bay Future City Competition for many years. Andy helped with environmental cleanup at the Mare Island Naval Base and was certified to designate buildings as historical. Andy and Sally were very involved in the St. Dominic Catholic Church community in Benicia California and he will be missed by many. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20th at 11am at St. Dominic’s followed by a reception at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gabriel Project, Food for the Poor, or Unbound.

Andrew John Kinane

June 7, 1934 - October 4, 2023