Nello Fiorenzo

Nello Salvatore Fiorenzo, age 90, of Erie, passed away Friday, April 1, 2016 at UPMC Hamot Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on February 15, 1926 in Erie the son of the late V. James and Flora (Bonaminio) Fiorenzo.
Nello graduated from Technical Memorial High School and following graduation served in the U.S. Navy during WW II as a Petty Officer. He worked as a printer during his time in the Navy and served stateside at various locations including NYC. He moved back to Erie and married Betty A. Grizanti of Westfield, NY. Nello was self-employed owning Eazo Bleach with his brother Adam and also was a printer at various print shops throughout Erie. He also was a longtime employee of the Erie School District working 2 jobs for many years. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church.
Nello was also a proud member of the old “Ice House Gang” in Little Italy. Nello was a great storyteller and amateur historian of Erie, his family, and friends. He was always ready with a listening ear to hear everyone’s stories and share his vast knowledge and wisdom, and was always kind and friendly  to all who knew him. Nello spent most mornings at McDonald’s with his buddies sharing coffee and the latest “news” and memories of the old days. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with them.
Following retirement, Nello and his wife wintered in Bradenton, FL for 15 years and enjoyed traveling and relaxing with their many dear friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sisters; Fillipa and Evelyn and great-granddaughter, Lila Rupinsky.
He is survived and sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Betty (Grizanti) Fiorenzo; daughter Janet Fiorenzo of Denver, CO; two sons; V. James Fiorenzo and his wife Annette and John Fiorenzo and his wife Mary F., all of Erie. Fourgrandchildren; Jenny (Mike) Rupinsky; Daniel Fiorenzo, Kevin Fiorenzo, and Emily (Aaron) Berarducci and two great-grandchildren, Evie Rupinsky and Cooper Berarducci. He is also survived by two brothers; Sam and Adelmo (Adam) Fiorenzo along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special Thank you to the UPMC Hamot staff  for their kindness and loving care during Nello’s illness.
Friends are invited to call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th & Liberty St. on Tuesday, April 5th from 2-5 & 7-9 PM and are invited to attend Prayer Services there Wednesday at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Paul’s RC Church, 1617 Walnut St. Entombment will be in Gate of Heaven mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, or the charity of one’s choice.