April 19, 1925 - December 29, 2020
Andrew P Caneza died peacefully at home on December 29, 2020 in Longwood, Florida at the age of 95.
Andrew is survived by his children Gary Caneza (Ruth), Jane Prue (Steve), Susan Whitson (Chris), Ann Buddendorff and Andrew R. Caneza (Christi); 14 grandchildren, Jennifer Black (Josh), Tory Whitson Lee (Matt), Andrew J Caneza (Erin), Terry Scott (David), Ashley Montandon (Justin), Dayna Moore (Alex), Megan Abide, Christopher (Red) Whitson, Arden Laughter (Andrew), Jason Buddendorff (Devin), Wayne Caneza, Austin Buddendorff (Samantha), Blake.
Buddendorff and Craig Caneza; 16 great grandchildren, Ireland, Riley, Daniel, Brooklyn, Cameron, Ann, Jackson, Logan, Elle, Emerson, Violet, Kennedy, Camille, Lila, Louise, and Collette. He is also survived by his sister-in-law; Rosemary Baudier Favaloro.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Baudier Caneza; son, Wayne Caneza; sister, Adelaide Caneza Sprague (George); sister-in-law, Mabel Baudier Silva (Foster); brother-in-law, Roger Baudier.
Andrew was born on April 19, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Andrew P. Caneza Sr and Elizabeth Bauer Caneza. He graduated in 1942 from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He then served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific theatre of WWII for 3 years. Upon his return, he finished his education and received a journalism degree from Loyola University New Orleans.
Andrew (known as Andy or Pops to most family and friends) born and raised in New Orleans relocated to Longwood, FL at the age of 56. Prior to their move to Florida, the family were longtime members of St Frances Cabrini parish. He was a faithful member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL for 39 years.
Andy (Pops) worked tirelessly at many jobs from the young age of 8 years old running errands for office workers, delivering utility bills in downtown New Orleans to eventually starting his own business in August 1949. He borrowed $10 from his future wife and started working from his mother's basement packing and delivering garlic to the numerous corner grocery stores in the New Orleans area. He married the love of his life, Ann Baudier, on February 3, 1951 at St Rose de Lima Catholic Church in New Orleans. Ann and Andy worked long hours at their company, A&A Spice & Food Co. Over the next 10 years, Ann and Andy had 7 children (daughter Terry died at birth in 1956). Struggling financially to raise a growing family, Ann and Andy decided to look for more business outside the New Orleans area.
The family of 8 traveled in their car during the summers in the 1960's. They traveled throughout the U.S. searching for business in every small town he was able to visit. With his wife Ann's support handling 6 kids in a crammed car for 30-40 days at a time and his determination, his business began to grow. All their hard work paid off. Over the next 50 years, the business continued to grow into a coast-to-coast operation with facilities in Florida and California serving most of the supermarkets in the United States. The company opened a facility in Miami in 1972 operated under the name of Spice World. The headquarters along with the family moved from New Orleans to Orlando, FL in 1981 consolidating all operations to the Spice World name. Andy continued working with his family in the business until 2018.
"Pops" was the epitome of a true family man. He loved spending time with them, traveling with his family and cheering for his favorite team, the LSU Tigers. He taught his family the true meaning of generosity and always thinking of others. His love of God and family were everything to him. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider donating to your favorite charity in Andrew's name.
Arrangements under the direction of DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland, FL. Condolences may be offered at
www.DeGusipe.com