Andrew Aufiero, a highly respected figure in the flooring business who served as the president of the Certified Floorcovering Installers from 2004 to 2006, died July 28 while awaiting a liver transplant. He was 53. Remembered  for his work promoting the needs of certified installers and his spirited sense of humor, Aufiero was instrumental in keeping installers informed about developments in their field.

CFI board member Daris Mulkin recalled Aufiero as a kind man who personally welcomed him into the CFI community. “[My wife] Karen and I were at Surfaces shortly after being certified, and I was wearing my CFI shirt and did not know anyone,” he said. “From a distance we heard ‘Wait up, CFI!’ It was Andrew and [his wife] Cynthia.They immediately made us feel welcome.”

Aufiero’s affection for the CFI organization was made very evident in 1997. “Andrew wanted to get married at the CFI Convention with all the installers holding power stretchers for the couple to walk under dressed in the finest of wedding attire,” remembered CFI CEO Jim Walker. “Of course, that didn’t happen. But when they were married, Andrew and Cynthia sent a photo of themselves holding a Crain 520 swivel head power stretcher.”

Aufiero became involved with CFI in 1993 when he called the headquarters and spoke with Walker for two hours about the state of installation. After getting off the phone, he immediately registered himself and Cynthia for the first CFI certification event. Soon after, they organized the New Jersey chapter of CFI and then became part of the CFI Certification Team.

Aufiero is survived by his wife Cynthia; daughters Anneliese and Autumn; son William; mother Elizabeth; brothers Joseph, Raymond and Patrick; and extended family.