With heavy hearts, we announce that Andrew Vanyo passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2026 at the age of 90.

Andrew, lovingly known as Andy, was born on November 19th, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a man with
unwavering dedication to his family and loved ones, always showing up to offer guidance and protection. Day or
night, Andy would answer the call if you needed his help. His charisma was matched by his kindness, and his
humor was matched by his wit. There was never a dull moment when Andy was present, regaling those around
him with exciting stories that would leave a person in awe and wonder. Words cannot describe how much
Andrew will be missed by those who were lucky enough to have known him. Andy's wish was to celebrate his life
and cherish his memory, so we honor Andrew and his life by remembering him as the man who could light up an
entire room with his presence, and as the loving husband, father, and grandfather he truly was. The legacy he
left behind will never be forgotten, and will be carried on by his friends and family.
Andy joined the Cleveland, OH Police Department on April 16th, 1958. There he led an illustrious career, having
humble beginnings in communications and uniformed patrol before being promoted to the Detective Bureau in
1964. He worked in the Burglary Unit, where he and his partner solved numerous burglary cases. It was there
that Andy experienced one of his most harrowing encounters, surviving a dangerous confrontation while
pursuing three armed robbers. The suspects were apprehended and Andy received the Cleveland Rotary Club's
Medal of Valor for his act of bravery. In 1969, he transferred to the Police Intelligence Unit, which led to his
eventual promotions to Sergeant (1977) and then Lieutenant (1979), placing him in command of the Intelligence
Unit. This unit took on many investigations, and they were instrumental in the prosecution of organized crime
figures for the homicide of Daniel Green, an American mob boss. These prosecutions initiated the collapse of the
Cleveland organized crime syndicate. Andy also worked with the U.S. Secret Service in providing security for
numerous political figures and celebrities, such as: John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and John
Wayne.

In 1979, Andrew retired from the Cleveland Police Department and spent nearly 23 years in the gaming industry
as Security Director. He also served as Chief of Enforcement for the Gaming Control Board. Andy authored
security manuals for casino properties in Nevada, Michigan, and Canada, and he was a member of many great
organizations such as Crime Stoppers, ASIS International, and the Las Vegas Security Chiefs Association. He was a
graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.
Andy is survived by his five children, Christopher, Mary, Michael, Patrick, and Kimberly; his three grandchildren,
Tiffany, Chad, and Cassandra; his four great-grandchildren, Kira, Liana, Adeline (Addy), and Braden; his
sister-in-law Doris; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His passing was preceded by his lovely wife of 60
years, Barbara; his parents Andrew Sr. and Marie; his two brothers Theodore and Gregory; and his two sisters
Bernardine and Virginia. A service will be held to celebrate his memory on July 14th, 9:00AM at Davis Funeral
Home (located in southeast Las Vegas). This will be a time to reflect on the wonderful person Andy was; a man
who was proud of his heritage, loved with all of his heart, and never lost his faith no matter what the
circumstance was.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warrier
Project.