Andrew Edward Butti

Andrew Edward Butti

Andrew E. Butti, 89, died unexpectedly at his home, Friday morning, November 10, 2023.

He was born to Andrew and Barbara (nee Hornyak) Butti on February 24, 1934 in Norfolk, Virginia while his father was serving in the United States Navy. He lived his entire life in Lorain, OH where he loved living next to Lake Erie. He was an avid Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns fan.

During the 2nd World War his dad’s ship was damaged and in California for repairs. Andrew’s mom took a train to visit him in California. There was a train wreck and his mother was killed. Andrew was only 10 years old and had to repeat the 5th grade. He went to live with his Aunt Julia and Uncle Frank Penzes until 12th grade at Lorain High School when he joined the United States Air Force. Andrew was stationed in El Paso, TX for 3 years where he worked as a clerk typist. His final year, he was transferred to Fairbanks, Alaska where he was needed in the Armed Forces Radio department while he earned high school diploma. Andrew was honorably discharged and got a job as a DJ at WEOL in Elyria. In 1956, Andrew and Denise Meyer were married at St. Anthony’s. For 67 years, they had their share of life’s joys and sadness.

Someone in Cleveland started calling him Jeff Baxter. Jeff met Jack Riley and they hit the airwaves together on July 4, 1962 until 1965. Besides Jeff doing radio work he made commercials. He also did interviews and filmed Cleveland Browns star Jim Brown who introduced him to boxing champion Muhammed Ali. He did a 30-minute program on Channel 5 “A Close Up on Muhammed Ali.” He spent 4 days filming and interviewing him. He spent many years working at WDBN and WHK. Andrew won the Cleveland Radio Certificate of Merit plus 3 Press Club Awards and every major broadcast award in Cleveland.

He is survived by his wife, Denise; children, Thomas (Melanie) Butti, Ellen Friend and Lisa (Andy) Drwal; grandchildren, Betsy, Lindsey, Lisa, Justin, Angelique, Anthony (Kaylee); 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Fenik; step-brother, Tim Butti; and step-sister, Lynn Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Michael Butti; and infant grandson, Andrew Drwal Jr.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, OH on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of funeral services at 1:00 PM, Deacon Paul J. Heise Jr., officiating. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain, OH with military honors by the U.S. Air Force. Online condolences may be sent to the family using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.

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