Andrew Gregory Lano

Andrew Gregory Lano, 83, of Falmouth died peacefully November 1, 2011 at Mercy Hospital. He was born January 6, 1928 in Portland a son of Gregory and Eleanora Tsotso Lano. He attended local schools and was a 1946 graduate of Portland High School. Andy served in the US Army from 1947 until receiving an honorable discharge in 1948. Following his military service he attended Bowdoin College and graduated in 1952. He captained a New England all-star team against the Boston Park Leaguers in a charity game at old Braves Field. He had a three-sport career at Bowdoin. Lano went on to play two years in the Cleveland Indians farm system followed by Maine Semi-pro action before a knee injury curtailed further pro baseball aspirations. Andy worked 19 years as a salesman for E.E. Taylor Shoe Company in Freeport. Specializing in men's shoes, the company also made a golf shoe that was endorsed by golfing legends Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Tony Lema. He later decided to open his own shoe store called Andy Lano Shoes for Men on High Street in the Eastland Hotel. He then transitioned into operating a successful home improvement business until retirement a few years ago. He married the love of his life Arlene Maureen Meader on October 1, 1960 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Andy was an avid athlete from grammar school through Bowdoin College to semi-pro and minor league baseball and later added golf to his sports. One of the greatest athletes in Portland High history, Lano captained the football, basketball and baseball teams his senior year. He earned the nickname Handy Andy for his versatility to play multiple positions. As a freshman Andy played on the 1943 state Class A basketball championship team. In 1945 he was the Vinall Trophy winner as the tournament's top player sportsman. In baseball he was three-time All-Telegram Leaguer as shortstop-pitcher. He was batting champion in 1945-1946 at .448 and .508. He hit in all games for a league record for 1945 Telly champs. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 followed by induction into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. Andy won three straight Val Halla club championships in the mid 1960's and later a MSGA Father-Son title with Andy II. He was a longtime supporter of the MSGA weekly tournaments and was a mainstay at his favorite hangout Riverside Municipal Golf course where he played and volunteered his time to the RGA. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. Andy was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Helen VanGel; four brothers, George Lano, James Lano, Lumbe Lano and Spiro Lano. Surviving are: his wife Arlene of West Falmouth, two daughters, Mrs. Dennis (Melody) Amell, of Buxton, Maureen E. Lano, of Old Orchard Beach; two sons, Andrew G. Lano II, of Flower Mound, TX; John A. Lano, of Stone Ridge, VA; four grandchildren, Jeffrey P. Amell, Evan A. Amell, Jack M. Lano, James Y. Lano and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday~at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to: Boys Girls Club of Southern Maine Alumni Association, 277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Maine 04101. Online Condolences for Andrew Lano