Dominic Nardella

DOMINIC NARDELLA, 97, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle was led into Heaven on August 10, 2022.  He was a vibrant, tender-hearted, family-role model and was the family matriarch of his entire extended family.  Born on January 15, 1925, in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the belated Michael and Raffaela Cursio Nardella of San Marco in Lamis, Italy.  He was preceded in death by his childhood brother, Luigi Nardella. Dominic was a faithful Roman Catholic, deeply devoted to his profession of faith. 
Dominic is survived by his brother, Antonio (Maria) Nardella who resides in Parma, Italy. He was a faithful husband to the late Antoinette DiGeronimo Nardella d.1996, where they showed kindness and loving devotion to each other for over 40 years. Together they raised four children, in Saddle Brook, NJ, Maria (Peter) Plaza, Rae (Mark d.2021) Record, Angela (Michael) Polega, and the late Michael d.2016 (Judy) Nardella.  He was very respected and loved by his family and extended family with great adoration.  His sharp mind and quick wit could be attributed to his completion of crossword puzzles and competitiveness around backgammon with anyone who dared to challenge him.  Dominic was the self-proclaimed œChampion of South Italy in Bocce Ball for over 30 years, in fact, he was the œChampion of South Italy in almost everything he did.  He was the joy of a party- especially with a one-telling joke and always had a glass of wine and a sapling of a fig tree for any visitor.
Dominic joined the American Allies Effort to fight against the Fascist Regime in World War II.  Often not discussed, he escaped capture twice during the war.  He worked on the P-51 Mustang Fighter Planes in the efforts of the American Air Force in Italy during the war.  Upon arriving to Ellis Island, as an American Citizen, Dominic was initially employed in the fashion district in New York City where he met his wife.  Dominic later worked for the Bogen Division of Lear Siegler Inc. in Paramus, New Jersey, where he started as a line worker in packaging and finalized his career as a foreman supervisor until his retirement in 1984.  Dominic retired to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where enjoyed many family reunions and cared for his wife Antoinette in a compassionate way for many years.  After the passing of Antoinette, Dominic traveled the world visiting places of pilgrimage such as Jerusalem, Fatima, and countries of appreciation such as France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and many trips to Italy. 
Dominics joy in life was his 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  He loved each of them uniquely and served as a role model on how to live and enjoy life.  Every grandchild looked to Grandpa as the way to approach life and how to love their community.  He was influential in their upbringing, career, and life decisions. 
Dominic was a man of service. Most memorable were his years of volunteering at The Atlantic General Hospital, for over 10 years, every week he helped in the Emergency Room and assisted the medical staff, until his age of 90.  Dominic was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Order of The Sons of Italy in America #2474. Dominic was an Italian semi-professional soccer player and a youth soccer coach for his son Michaels Saddle Brook Team for many years, for five years, going undefeated.
Dominic also took on the role of servant and leader at the same time.  He loved to garden and share his vegetables.  He demonstrated his love of others and his love for family in all he did, most commonly saying, œI LOVE YOU MORE.  Dominic will live in our hearts forever.   
Funeral Services of Christian Rite Burial are as follows:  Visiting hours on Sunday, August 14th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Kugler Community Home For Funerals 311 5th Street, Saddle Brook, NJ.  Funeral Mass on Monday, August 15th at St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church 488 Saddle River Road Saddle Brook, NJ at 11:00am. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. CLICK HERE TO DONATE