Andrew E. Bissanti, 86, of Franklin died October 1, in Milford Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was the husband of Gloria (Dubbiosi) Bissanti.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 27, 1926, the son of the late Vincent and Catherine (Guerra) Bissanti, Mr. Bissanti was a lifelong Franklin resident.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School and attended Georgetown University. While at Georgetown he studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France.
Mr. Bissanti was the founder of Andrew E. Bissanti Real Estate and Appraisers in Franklin since 1964. He grew the firm to become one of the oldest and best known firms in the Franklin area.
He operated this firm in Franklin until his retirement in 2010.
He specialized in commercial real estate and commercial appraisals in the greater Franklin area.
He had been active in the Franklin Lions Club and the Boston Real Estate Board where he held many positions. He had been a mediator officer for the council I&M from 1980 to 1989, President Council I&M in 1977 and 1981. He also was member of the National Organizations of R.E. Appraisers, and a designated FHA appraiser.
Andy loved to golf. He also enjoyed gardening and being with his family.
Mr. Bissanti served in the Navy during World War II; attaining the rank of radioman third class.
Mr. Bissanti later joined the Army during the Korean War where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant and was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals for valor. Mr. Bissanti later worked for the United States Foreign Service as a Vice-Consul in their Palermo and Naples Italy headquarters.
He was honored with being the Grand Marshall of the Franklin 2012 Memorial Day Parade.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Andrew M. Bissanti and his wife Christina of Franklin, Cabiria Mazzuchelli and her husband Paul of Milford and Mark Bissanti of Franklin.
He is also survived by his siblings Matthew and Edward “Chiefy” Bissanti of Franklin, Joseph Bissanti of New Bedford and his sisters, Barbara Graziani of Salem, New Hampshire, Rose Ryan of Woonsocket and Vincentia Odoardi of Hudson.
He was the brother of the late Brenda Conti and William, Walter, Wallace, Donald, John and Anthony Bissanti.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Mazzuchelli, Francesca, Vanessa and Serana Bissanti and his great-grandson Joseph.
His funeral will be held on Friday October 5 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin 131 Main Street in Franklin at 9:15 followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin.
Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, Oliva Patient Comfort Fund, 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757.