Andy Cardenas

Andy Cardenas, 79, of Tiffin, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 21st in Tiffin at home in hospice care, leaving a legacy of kindness, integrity, and hard work.

Andy was born on April 27, 1947, in Tiffin, Ohio to Andy Cardenas and Dorothy Cardenas (Scherger). He graduated from Columbian High School and was later drafted to serve in Vietnam, receiving an honorable discharge for medical reasons (not heel spurs).

On June 29, 1968, Andy married the love of his life, Brenda (Franklin). Together, they shared 58 years of marriage, children, grandchildren, and all-around mischief.

Andy went on to work as a certified automotive technician for over 50 years combined at several area car dealerships in Fremont serving as the UAW union rep and in Findlay retiring from Warner Buick Nissan after over 30 years of service. Andy had a passion and natural talent for fixing cars with a focus on restoring classic GTOs and Pontiacs. He consistently continued his technician education through the General Motors Training Center and was recognized as the best in class for Ohio. He also mentored others in rebuilding transmissions, including his dear friend Jeff. And Andy enjoyed drag racing his 64 GTO in Norwalk, Marion and Van Wert with his friend Jerry who raced his car, “Shannon’s Gold”.

Andy was known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, loyalty, and generosity. He collected toys all year to provide Christmas annually for the Seneca County Foster Care program and early this year was honored with a proclamation from the Seneca County Board of Commissioners recognizing four decades of annual toy donations. He was a proud member of the Thursday Rusty Zipper Club and enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends, Ed and John, at their local businesses. He also loved traveling to tropical places with his family and especially Peanut, who he absolutely adored!

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Dorothy, siblings, Jane, Virginia and Susan, many aunts and uncles and several cousins. Andy is survived by his spouse, children, and grandchildren, as well as two beloved nieces, several in-laws, many cousins, and friends.

There will be no services or visitation, and the family requests privacy during this time. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419-422-1500) is honored to serve Andy’s family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Andy’s memory to the Seneca County Foster Care program (Christmas fund) located in the Department of Job and Family Services building at 900 E. County Rd. 20, Tiffin, OH.