Remembering Andrew A. Pansini
Andrew A. Pansini was a quiet giant of the pool and spa industry, steering Jandy Industries through decades of sustained growth and innovation with quiet dignity and fierce determination. He leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurial success, philanthropic service and years coaching Little League Baseball.
By Eric Herman
Andrew A. Pansini, retired CEO of Jandy Industries, industry leader and author died suddenly on April 12 of a heart attack. He was 76.
Born in San Francisco, he grew up in nearby Marin, attended Marin Catholic High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of San Francisco. He was President and CEO of Jandy Industries and Savoy Corporation, both wildly successful companies started by his father and grandfather. As well, he was past chair Novato Community Hospital board of directors, past chair of Sutter Health and, at the time of his death, he was on the Sutter Care at Home and Morton & Basset boards.
An avid chronicler of the history of the Pansini family, he authored “Fathers of Invention” in 2017 and “A Family of Invention” in 2020. Both were American stories of family, faith and innovation. In 1917, Andy’s grandfather founded Savoy Corporation, the first paid parking company in the world. His father, Andrew L. Pansini invented the world’s first automatic swimming pool cleaner in 1957, forming Jandy Industries, a company widely known for technical innovation and industry leadership.
Not an inventor, he nonetheless skillfully managed both Jandy Industries until it was sold in 2000 as well as Savoy Corporation until its planned dissolution in 2023.
For over 20 years, Pansini also coached Little League Baseball, also serving as a board member and president of the League, where he influenced the lives of countless youth who, as adults, fondly remember “Mr. P”.
He authored “Coaching for Life” in 2020, an inspiring look at how everyone has the opportunity to inform, engage and inspire others. In 2024 he authored “Beyond the Diamond”, an insightful game plan for Little League coaches focused on creating meaningful experiences for their players and families.
“He was a wonderful guy,” said pool builder and long-time friend, Chuck Baumann. “You can’t quantify his contribution to the industry, and especially to his family and friends.”
Pansini is survived by his wife, Pam, their children Ryan (Courtney) and Heather, as well as their grandchildren: Kyle and Brandon Pansini, and Riley, Hannah, and Megan Walsh. He is also survived by his sisters: Andrea (Rick), Carolyn, Janice (Chuck), Janie (Denis), and Laurie. Andy was predeceased by his father, Andrew, his mother, Jane, and his brother, David.
Editor’s Note: As a point of great professional and personal pride, I had the pleasure of working directly with Mr. Pansini editing and producing all four of his books. I drew the assignment at first based on a personal recommendation from our mutual friend, and long-time Jandy vice president, Vance Gillette. Throughout the sometimes-arduous, but always rewarding, literary process, “Andy” was always gracious, extremely thoughtful, upbeat and intensely focused. His stories and insights were grounded in the practicality of human truth and always informed by his deeply held beliefs in family, faith, hard work and service to others. — Eric Herman