Andrew Cervini

Longtime Rio Rancho resident Andrew Cervini passed peacefully at home on Monday, March 31, 2025. Andy, or “Red”, as he was known by his dear friends, was born and grew up in the South Bronx of New York City during the height of the Great Depression. He joined the Air Force in 1952, serving both overseas on Okinawa and at Edwards Air Force base in California, before being honorably discharged in 1956 having earned the rank of staff sergeant. After his time in the military, he joined the New York Police Department for a year before transferring and finding a home and a calling in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Andy loved his time in the Fire Department, serving with distinction in the Bronx for more than 17 years. In 1978, he was severely injured in the line of duty and had to accept a medical retirement. Shortly after, in 1979, he moved his family west to Rio Rancho. In Rio Rancho, Andy became very active with the local American Legion Post 118, serving as the club’s commander in the early 1990s. During this time, Andy took a job with Albuquerque Public Schools, serving as campus security at Cibola High School.

Andy loved to laugh and tell stories. He was fascinated by military history and was an expert in the Civil War. He loved old movies (especially mysteries), playing poker with his dear friends, and watching sports with his kids. But most of all he loved his family, especially his dear wife, Gloria, who passed in 2006.

He is survived by his three sons Andrew (married to Darlene), Anthony, and Chris (married to Georgette); grandchildren Felicia, Simon, Calvin, Enjoli, and Samantha; and several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria, and his granddaughter, Shayna.

Services for Andy will be at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with a reception to follow immediately after at American Legion, Post 118, on Barbara Loop, also in Rio Rancho. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity he supported for much of his life.