Nick Leonelli

BOARDMAN - Prayers will begin on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Nick J. Leonelli, 95, who peacefully passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 7, on his 95th birthday, at St. Elizabeth's Boardman Health Center.
He was born on Dec. 7, 1922, in Youngstown, and was the last surviving child of his parents, the late Giustino and Carolina Leonelli, both from Agnone, Italy.
He graduated in the 1941 January Class of Youngstown's East High School, where he was class president.
After serving active duty in World War II, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, and serving as a cryptographer, he then returned home to complete his education at what was then Youngstown College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He became a Registered Engineer with the State of Ohio, and worked as the Chief Engineer of Construction for Youngstown City Schools, followed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, the A. A. Gambrel Heating and Air Conditioning Co., and finally for Youngstown State University, where he served as the Director of Campus Development, stewarding the University's extensive campus expansion from the 1970s through the early 1980s, until his retirement in 1985.
He was a founding and life-long member of the Holy Family Church in Poland. He was an avid gardener, and handyman, and loved to work around the house on various projects. He loved to make sausage and wine. He baked and cooked, everything from his famous Easter Bread to his signature fried artichokes. But most of all, he was always there when needed by family or friends.
He will be very sadly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, James E. (Nancy) Leonelli of Poland and four grandchildren, Nina Marie (George) Zordich, Dana Marie and her fiance, Michael Sypert, Justin Nicholas and his fiancee, Emma Donahay, and Carmen James.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Carmela Rose Salpietra, whom he married on July 10, 1954 and his siblings, Dora (Romeo) Haskin, Anthony (Betty), and Philip (Johanna).
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.
He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Poland.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Holy Family Church in Poland.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.