He was an eminent professor of social sciences who published several articles in professional journals and was invited to lecture abroad at the University of Edinburgh and Peking University of International Relations. He made his college football program a national powerhouse. He was a world-class horse player, consistently cashing in four-figure tickets on triple winners and pick-4s. His pasta bolognese was a dish that the best Italian restaurants would be proud to serve.
But here’s what really matters:
Andrew Joseph DiNitto – “Andy” to his wife and friends, “Dad” to his sons, “Nonno” to his grandchildren, “Andrea” to his family in Italy, “Professor” to his students, “Coach” to his players – was a great influence and inspiration to all who knew him.
Andy loved his wife unconditionally, standing by her side, making her laugh, being her best friend for 55 years of their marriage.
Dad showed his sons work ethic, integrity, perseverance and the right way to be a father. He taught them to love and respect people, regardless of race, religion or wealth.
Nonno was loved and adored by his grandchildren.
The coach was a second father to his players, teaching them that there is more to life than just football, showing them how to be men, helping them become better people, guiding them to successful lives – all while dominating the competition . Its players were and remain an extended family.
“The best teacher I’ve ever had” is a phrase frequently uttered by the professor’s former students.
Born in Gaeta, Italy to Paul and Clara DiNitto in 1943, Andrew immigrated with his parents to Newburgh, New York in 1957. Not knowing the language when he arrived in the United States at the age of 14 , he learned English and assimilated, rising to the top of his high school class.
While a high school student at the Newburgh Free Academy, he met his future wife, Maria, and as editor of the student newspaper he wrote an article about his own trip to America, titled “Thank you communism for sending us this Hungarian beauty”. ”
Andrew’s college career began at Orange County Community College, where he studied political science and earned All-American honors as a star football player. From there he went to SUNY-Binghamton, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and then to the University of Albany to earn his doctorate in 1978.
From 1968 to 2008, Andrew taught political science, sociology and Italian at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. From 1985 to 2010, he was a professor of political science and public policy at Empire State College, where he received the Outstanding Mentoring Award in 1997. A teaching fellowship at the University of Albany and visiting professorships at Elmira College are also on his resume.
In Andrew’s 12 seasons as head coach (1972-1983), the FMCC soccer team never had a losing record. He went from recruiting to physical education classes, so he had enough players to field a team to convince New York’s best players to go to school and compete on the farmlands of Fulton County. He led the Raiders to four Mohawk Valley League championships and two national tournament appearances, coming close to the national title in 1979, when they lost in the Finals, 1-0 in six overtime periods. He was named Junior College National Coach of the Year that season.
His FMCC teams were models of diversity, rosters made up of players from nearly every continent on the planet.
He also co-founded Fulton United Soccer Club and coached its all-star team to several championships.
Andrew’s influence has extended beyond the home, the classroom and the football field.
He has served on the board of directors of Mountain Valley Hospice, served as chair of the Gloversville Ethics Board, consulted and advised a multitude of local boards and commissions, and made numerous media appearances as an expert in political Sciences. He served as a delegate for U.S. presidential candidate George McGovern at the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, chaired the Fulton County NDP coalition from 1969 to 1971, and served as regional coordinator for New York gubernatorial candidate Howard. Samuels in 1970.
Andrew passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 5, 2022, his beloved wife by his side. He was 79 years old. He is survived by Maria, his sons Paul (Vanessa) and Marcus, and his grandchildren Andrew and Caroline.
A visitation for Andrew will be held at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home at 51 Fremont Street in Gloversville from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Family and friends are invited to share their thoughts and memories of Andrew at 3:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, Andrew’s family would appreciate donations to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or the Cure PSP Fund online at psp.org.
Walrath and Stewart staff are honored to help the Di Nitto family.
To leave a message, memory or condolences for the Di Nitto family, please visit us online at brbsfuneral.com.
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