Andrew Roy Berntson

Andrew Roy Berntson, 71, of Cranston passed away at Rhode Island Hospital on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 after an illness. He was the son of the late Alton V. and Dorothy W. (Wheeler) Berntson of Warwick and the beloved husband and soulmate of 49 years of Jean (Moury) Berntson. He was the loving father of Emily Mendez (husband Mynor) of Warwick and Ross Berntson (wife Chirana “Joy”) of Springfield, Virginia and the proud Papa Andy and Grandpa to Ellyanna, Luna and Caroline Mendez and Lily and Kayley Berntson. He was the brother of Peter Berntson of Cumberland, Deborah Anderssen of Norway, and the late Jan Berntson of Providence. Andy was a 1969 graduate of Pilgrim High School. He served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973 as a Firefighter/Paramedic in New Mexico and Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. A talented musician and percussionist, he was a member of both the Band and Orchestra at Pilgrim High School and was President of the Band in his Junior and Senior years. He was selected to be the representative from Rhode Island to march in the McDonald’s All-American Band in his Senior year. In past years he played the drums with various local groups and enjoyed performing in various Municipal Bands in the several states where he lived. Andy was a Salesman for Millard Wire Company of Providence and also worked for Olin Corporation and Consolidated Clad Metals as a Customer Service Manager. He relocated to Edwardsville, Illinois in 1985 and then in 1989 to Lansdale, Pennsylvania for 29 years, returning to Rhode Island in 2018. He was a former Service Manager for Cunningham Piano Company of Philadelphia, PA. He held sales positions with various furniture companies and also earned a Real Estate License. In more recent years, he studied with the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology and became a Piano Technician/Tuner, a job he loved. Andy was self-employed as Andrew’s Piano Service of Lansdale, PA until an injury forced his retirement. Andy loved to listen to Classical Music and to read. He endured a disabling, painful back for many years but maintained a sense of humor and a positive outlook. He loved animals and his family and friends, and we loved him back! He will be sorely missed by those who will love him forever. A Memorial Luncheon for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Diamond Hill Vineyards, 3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. In lieu of flowers, please choose a charity of your choice or do a kindness and help someone in need.