Nello M. Paoli, Sr.

Nello M. Paoli, Sr., 76, of Wilmington, DE peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.

Nello was born in Wilmington on July 29, 1940, son of the late Giuseppe and Esther (Cataldi) Paoli.  A graduate of Brown Vocational School, he served in the Delaware Army National Guard and began his 38 year career as a Carpenter with Local Union 626.  As a member of the union, Nello worked for Ernest DiSabatino & Sons (EDIS) and retired as a Superintendent.  In his retirement, Nello worked as a courier for Payroll Management Assistance.

A life-long, devoted member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Nello was active in a variety of parish functions, including coaching the school baseball team and volunteering at the annual Italian Festival.  He also coached with Capitol Little League and was active in the Albertson Park Civic Association.  Fondly known as “Uncle Nel” to many, the highlight of his life was being a “PopPop”.

Nello will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Ann (Kane) Paoli; his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren: James, Ann and their twin sons, Jimmy and Justin, Nello, Christine and their daughter, Magdalena, and Michael, Stacey and their daughters, Presley and Bryndal. 

Nello is also survived by his brothers, Joseph and wife, Nikki, and Anthony and wife, Ginni; his sisters, Catherine Sparco, Mary Ann Catalina and husband, Steve, and Rosemary McBride and husband, Benny; his sisters-in-law, Lee Paoli, Dolly Paoli and Dori Paoli; his very dear friends, Dominick and Clorinda Russo; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, Nello was predeceased by his brothers, Dominick, Alfred and Eugene Paoli; his brother-in-law, Anthony Sparco; and his parents-in-law, James and Ann (Mancini) Kane.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Esther Paoli Stevenson, Dr. Tracey Evans of the University of Penn Hospital, Dr. Khatari and team, Dr. Donald Hayes, and the staff of Delaware Hospice for their love, care and support.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Sunday, October 23 from 3:00-7:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Monday, October 24 at 10:30AM.  Interment will be held privately.

Please omit flowers, and donations in memory of Nello may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilm., DE 19805 or Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, Newark, DE 19711.

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