Nicholas Gentile

1920 - 2017

GENTILE, NICHOLAS August 13, 1920 July 7, 2017 Nicholas (Nick) Gentile, long-time resident of Miami, former businessman and entrepreneur, has died at the age of 96. Nick was a highly decorated WWII hero and veteran of the Allied Invasion of Normandy. As part of the U.S. Army's 63rd Infantry Division, he fought his way across France and into Germany, participating in the decisive Rhineland Campaign. Ending in Landsberg, Germany in late April 1945, his unit captured several concentration camps in the region, liberating more than 900 Jewish prisoners. In addition to recognition of the 63rd Infantry Division as a liberating unit by the US Army's Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, he is the recipient of France's highest honor, the Cross of the Chevalier of the Order of L‚gion d'Honneur for his selfless and heroic acts in the liberation of Nazi occupied France. He was loved and admired by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his wit, charm and swagger on the dance floor; always with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He maintained his extraordinary youthful vigor until his final weeks and his sharp mind and humor until his last breath. Nick was pre-deceased by his wife of 40 years, Gloria Virgadamo and is survived by his partner of 31 years, Elizabeth Zaller; his children Richard, Anthony, Stephanie and Christopher Gentile and their spouses Suzanne, Ingele and Gary; his niece Joanne Marshall, nephew Thomas Genzale and wife MaryAnne; his grand-children Justin Gentile and wife Katie, Anda Gentile, Jeremy and Lauren Geiger; and his 3 great grandchildren, Jacob, Gavin, and Julian Gentile. According to his wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service.