Andrew Acalinovich '90

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Andrew Acalinovich '90 died of leukemia at City of Hope on Oct. 23.

"Andrew was a living saint," said his friend Anthony Cube. "He gave love so freely and so tirelessly. A devoted husband, father, son, friend and colleague, to know him was to love him."

Acalinovich was born in Southern California on Dec. 4, 1967, and spent his youth in San Pedro. He was a student at Leland Elementary School until the fifth grade, at which time he began attending Mary Star of the Sea. It was in this parish that he grew up and forged many close friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After high school, Acalinovich chose UCLA for his undergraduate studies, where he pursued a bachelor of science degree in microbiology and applied genetics. Upon graduation, he remained part of the campus community when he accepted a position as a staff research associate in the department of transplant surgery. Ever a lifelong learner, Acalinovich’s creative side called out and he returned to study at UCLA, this time in data analysis and graphic visualization. A true Renaissance man, his right and left brain worked in perfect harmony. His love of science was always balanced with a poetic sensibility as he brought his great humanity to all his work. He employed his talents to advance medical research and used his art to help companies realize vision and innovation. His career led him to creative roles with diverse organizations including the Josephson Institute of Ethics and LiveOffice. Most recently he was able to unite his inquisitive, scientific mind and his artist’s soul in his position as a senior principal product designer at Oracle.

In 2014, Acalinovich found the love of his life in Hermosa Beach when he met Kaitlynn. In Kaitlynn, he recognized the partner he had been searching for, and the two began dating soon after their initial meeting. Their 2016 wedding was celebrated at the Wayfarer’s Chapel, a place Acalinovich always planned to marry the girl of his dreams. Over the next few years their family grew to include two beautiful children: daughter Aria and son Joey. Acalinovich inhabited his greatest roles as a husband and father, and achieved his most heartfelt desire to be a family man when he created a life with Kaitlynn.

Acalinovich was well loved for his kind, gentle nature. At social gatherings he always made a point to speak to every guest, play with every child, and pet every dog (and cat, despite his acute allergies). He had a sparkling wit, always ready with a funny anecdote or clever quip to contribute to the conversation. Though he often downplayed his talent, he was an accomplished bass and guitar player and member of several different bands; his enthusiasm for music was contagious and playing gave him great bliss and satisfaction. He passed down his love of music to his children with nightly dance parties and often composed many of his own nursery rhymes during sleepless newborn nights. He was ever generous with his time and talents, never shying from the opportunity to help a friend with whatever task was at hand. Whether helping move, writing a job recommendation or donating to a charitable cause, Acalinovich could always be counted on for love and support in all avenues of life. He enjoyed friendships with a truly diverse community of friends and colleagues and was held in high esteem in every circle lucky enough to call him friend. A lifelong Dodgers fan, he would have been thrilled with their dominance in the 2024 World Series.

Acalinovich is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Acalinovich. He is survived by his loving family: mother Katica, wife Kaitlynn, daughter Aria and son Joey.

Read a full online obituary here.