Andrew Kelly LoCicero never met a stranger. He was affectionately known around the city of Hammond, Louisiana as an entrepreneur and a Hammond icon, but the title he loved most, was being called “Grandpa” by his grandchildren and “Mr. Andy” by just about everyone else. He will be remembered as a kind and caring soul.
Locicero, age 81, passed away on January 30, 2020, at North Oaks Medical Center, after a brief illness. He was born on Saturday, November 26, 1938, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of the late Joseph Locicero Sr. and the late Nellie Pellichino Locicero.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lisa Locicero, son and daughter in law, Brian and Heidi Locicero, daughter-in-law, Sharon B. Locicero, and companion, Barbara Kliebert. He was “grandpa” to 6 grandchildren, Chevon Morris (Darren), Cheyenne Locicero (Ajay), Logan Locicero (Kaitlynn), Kelsea McLeod (Randy), Peyton Locicero, and Andrew Edward Locicero; 3 great-grandchildren, Ava Hebert, Cash Hebert, and Madison Morris. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Inez Addison Locicero and beloved son, Andrew "Ricky" Locicero.
Although there are benefits of growing up with a father who knew everyone in town, there were also disadvantages. “Growing up, we couldn’t get away with anything around town, because everybody in town knew our dad, so they knew his three sons and there was an immediate network of communication, to report the events of the day, even before the internet,” said his son, Brian LoCicero.
LoCicero, was seen as important to many people because he always provided a gathering place where anyone, could talk about anything. He had an enviable habit of turning strangers into lifelong friends, who became more like family. His favorite business to “hold court in” was at the barbershop he founded, in the heart of town, Andy’s Barber Shop.
Everyone said Mr. Andy loved to tell stories and entertain, but he didn’t have to be the center of attention. He was one of those guys, that influences your life not by bold statements, but for what he did and what he did for his community and his family.
When you stopped by Andy’s, you never knew who you might run into getting a haircut, a shoe shine or just stopping by for a cup of coffee, from former and sitting Governors, CEOs, SLU athletes or even Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owens.
“Dad and his team helped mark people’s milestones, from a little ones first haircut in their whole life; or the haircut before they went away to war or the Army, got married, graduated college, or whatever special occasion presented itself. You got that haircut before the event and it became a tradition - fathers got their first haircut, they brought their sons, who then brought their sons,” Locicero’s oldest son, Michael said.
A former Louisiana governor and several senators, who frequented the barbershop, joked that Andy’s was a “must go to place for anyone running for office and not just for the donation.” It was the best place for a haircut, as well as commonsense perspective, humor, wisdom and to muster up votes, of course!
Andrew LoCicero was also very involved in the community - he served as a member of the Livingston Lodge #160 Free and Accepted Masons and in 2017 was recognized and celebrated as a 50 year member of the group. Wherever he could find the opportunity to be of service, to help others, he did so, for his own children and many others. He was an SLU Baseball booster for decades, both before and after his son Brian pitched for the team, supported Hammond High School and Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
Most importantly, as this chapter of Locicero’s story ends, his sons are committed to keeping the institution of Andy’s Barbershop going.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Locicero’s life and bring stories to share at Victory Baptist Church, 43385 N. Little Italy Road in Hammond, Louisiana, on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 9:00 am until the funeral service begins at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Holly Gardens Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana. A reception will be held at the church following the burial.
