Andre was born and raised in Yonkers, New York. He was the son of the late Luz Galante, and Lorato Fighera, and raised by his step-father Leonard Galante. He is the beloved husband of Angela (Ummarino) Fighera, the light of his life. He was devoted father to his children Genevieve Marcantonio and her husband Joshua, Giovanni Fighera, and Javien Fighera.  Also surviving are a brother Michael Maida;  grandchildren Wyatt Marcantonio and a second grandson Weston who is due in July and eagerly anticipated.  He was a devoted father, husband, and role model for not only his children but his nieces and nephews. His sister in law Michelle Ummarino and her children were like his own .  He was predeceased by his brother John Maida. 

He was loved by many and touched the hearts of anyone he’d come in contact with.  He was loyal, consistent in everyday, involved with all of his children’s lives,hard working, and set an example of what he wanted for his children each and every day. His strength and resilience never wavered through life and he was the backbone of the family. He loved fishing,  golfing, and going to the shooting range. He was teaching his sons to do the same. He was up to any idea of a new adventure and would always find a way to make it happen. Andre was just getting back from a weeks vacation from Cape May his favorite vacation spot with his family. He had much more living to do, as he wanted to visit the Dominican Republic  where his mom had lived as a child and Italy since he was a beautiful combination of both cultures. These were the top two on the list for him and his wife. He wanted to explore more of his culture and was always curious about what that looked like for him and his family. He would light up the room and he would figure out any tough situation making it feel like the world was lighter. He lived well for his 48 yrs of his life and wished we could’ve continued to grow old together - we’re even planing to buy an RV and adventure with our children and grandchildren. We always had plans plans for a future retirement and I can only say this, "Take not one day for granted".  Andre loved beautiful things or as he said he became fancy as he aged ~ he loves beautiful scenery, watching the sunsets, and fishing on the beach with his sons. He loves all of his children and his family til the ends of the earth.  We were rich in every way that mattered - his humility, his kindness, his compassion, his devotion to his family and friends . We will continue to make him proud and live the lives he has always intended for us. His life will never be in vane, he will be woven forever in our lives, our children’s lives, and anyone who he has touched along the way. I don’t think he realized just how loved and admired he truly was because he was that humble and kind. We love you Papa, to the moon and back around.  May you rest peacefully knowing that you have done well and we will continue to honor your name.

His services will be held on Monday, June 29, at 11:00 AM in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, followed by burial in Bethlehem Memorial Park.  Friends are invited to his visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Javien's educational fund c/o Pearson Funeral Home.  Please make checks payable to Pearson Funeral Home and write education fund on the memo line.