boost Andy ’ s Rub ’ s popularity , both by word-of-mouth and by getting the product into bigger stores .
Andy ’ s positive spirit helped his own life as well . None of the men on his side of the family had lived past the age of 62 . Almost on cue , Andy was diagnosed with a serious heart condition at 40 that he eventually received open heart surgery for . Later , he was diagnosed with lung cancer , which he was able to beat , before developing the prostate cancer that would ultimately claim his life at 78 . Despite the odds being stacked against him , Andy never let it bring him down . He kept his joyful spirit until the end , and Lynn is certain that ’ s what gave him what she described as “ those extra 16 years of grace ”. “ My friends still say that they learned so much , not only about living , but about dying from Andy ,” she said . taking over the bulk of the business operations wasn ’ t as easy , but it ’ s allowed her to see things more through Andy ’ s eyes . She finds joy in working with so many great people and values the relationships she has formed with the store managers and customers .
There was never a doubt that the Viale would keep the business going after Andy was gone . Lynn , her sons , their wives , and her grandson have all stepped up to keep the business going . As wonderful as it ’ s been having her family helping her though , Lynn admits it was the most fun when Andy was with her . Everything about Andy ’ s Rub , from delivering the product to planning their next steps , was something they did together . Now that he ’ s gone , Lynn has had to learn how to be just one person instead of a pair . As a naturally introverted person ,
Lynn and her family always knew that Andy ’ s Rub was special , but they didn ’ t realize how much until now . Since Andy ’ s death , they ’ ve received an outpouring of support , not only from the community , but from customers , many of whom have said that Andy was like family to them . Countless people have approached Lynn , telling her first how much they love the rub , then sharing stories of their time with Andy . Some have offered to accompany Lynn on deliveries to stores . Many people have told her that they always think of Andy whenever they use the rub .
“ We didn ’ t realize at the time that it would be so important later , but it ’ s certainly important to me to hear all these stories of how people loved him and how much they loved the rub ,” Lynn said .
Things are never truly okay when we lose a loved one , but it helps when what they left behind was beautiful . The joy that Andy brought to others still comes alive when they use his rub , proving that when you create something with your heart and with other people in mind , it leaves lasting impressions . The Viale family will continue Andy ’ s legacy for years to come .
If you ’ d like in on the fun , you can find Andy ’ s Rub in the meat section of Safeway , Raleys , Nob Hill , Lunardi ’ s Markets , Chavez Supermarkets , and on Amazon .
Find Andy ' s Rub online : www . andysrub . com Purchase on Amazon : Buy Some Rub Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook
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