Our goal of this scholarship will be to provide funds to a child, or hopefully many children, with a physical disability to enhance their life through the enrollment in a musical program. 

 
Andy’s Story 
 

Born into a loving Italian immigrant family of 8 caring siblings and two wonderful parents, Andy was nurtured into becoming a local musical legend. His fame blossomed, not from any abnormality, but from an event of tragedy. 

Unfortunately, at a young age of 2 years old, Andy experienced an accident that would change the course of his life forever. As the historical and culturally significant Saint Mary Madeline Fiesta was kicking off, the curious and energetic youthful Andy ran into the street and was struck by an automobile. Although the unfavorable incident did not cause Andy any significant physical injuries, his hospital stay resulted in the contraction of polio. 

As years went on and Andy learned to deal with his newfound physical disability, another hurdle was placed in his path. Curvature of the Spin caused by Polio showed its ugly face, and created another physical disability to challenge this young child. Before the age of 12 years old,  Andy had to undergo an experimental spinal fusion operation that required him to leave his supportive family’s side for almost two years. Usually spending years away from your family would break one’s spirits, however, Andy used that experience for the better. Instead of being negative about his circumstance, he started to master his piano playing skills. 

Andy grew through the years into a well-rounded and talented musician allowing him to play all around the greater New Haven area. Performing in a diverse array of venues, Andy’s remarkable playing ability accompanied by a warm stage presence, enabled him to connect with the countless amount of people for which he performed. Not only did his talents attract many adoring friends, he also caught the eye of his future wife, Ruth Swinyer. 

Within a few years, the creation of the Top Hatters…… more on this story can be found on the Top Hatters Facebook page. 

At the age of 52, Andy had his first heart attack. He put his Braces and Crutches aside and now jumped into a motorized scooter. In his Andy humorous way, he had us place a "55 Saves Lives" sticker on the back of his scooter to give everyone an indication of how fast he excepted his new ride to go. Without the ADA laws in effect, this also meant that he had to extensively plan how he was to get onto stages and into locations that did not have ramps. 

This also meant that he could no longer work his primary full-time job at International Instruments as a Line Foreman. So, you see, Andy worked Three Jobs to support his family and provide for his children’s education.

Yet another hurdle, what to do with his time. So, Andy started "The Misfits" with a few of his musician friends of all ages. His only requirement to Join the Band was that you had to be physically challenged. The Misfits donated their time every Wednesday to play all the Old Tunes throughout New Haven Counties Convalescent Home and Senior Day Care and Rehabilitation Centers.
 
From the union of Andy and Ruth grew a beautiful family with the birth of their four children, Andy, Donna, Maria and Dorothea, eleven Grandchildren and five Great-Grandchildren. 


One of Andy’s many philosophies: With God, Family, Love and Laughter, my physical challenge is just an Inconvenience that I can overcome no matter what the situation.

He  would have been 90 years old in September.