Westwood, North Carolina
HENDERSONVILLE--Nereo Condini, "Ned" to friends and editors, passed away on May 12, 2014 in Asheville after a brief illness. Born in Turin, Italy, he became a US Citizen in 1976. Educated in Italy, England, and Berkeley, with a PhD in American Lit, he was a Fullbright Visiting Professor at Vassar and East Texas University, before teaching several years in Westwood, NJ.
A reviewer and journalist for La Stampa (Italy) and the Village Voice, among others, a prize-winning poet, writer and translator, Ned's work reflects a humane understanding of life and a grateful appreciation of beauty and grace. Two of his major prizes are the American Pen Poggioli Prize for translation and the William Butler Yeats Society Prize for poetry.
With Marilyn, his wife of 48 years, he traveled extensively and once interviewed Salvatore Allende, former president of Chile. Ten years ago Ned and Marilyn moved to North Carolina, enjoying the beauty and hospitality of this land. Ned was a founding member of the Lost Playwrights of Western North Carolina.
His blessings go to the nurses, staff, and doctors of St. Joseph Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Montvale, NJ, his home for many years.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Partnership for Pets, P.O. Box 1021, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
he was a writer's writer, and his loss has been keenly felt in the literary community of Western North Carolina to which he brought such distinction in his accomplishments as well as distinctive insights and explorations that served to challenge and affirm at the same time. he is much missed.
Ken Fitch
June 15, 2014
I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Jennifer Liming (Zwain)
May 29, 2014 | Bernardsville, NJ
We both taught with Ned at Westwood High School and remember him fondly. Sincere condolences to the family.
Sheila Horowitz Bernstein
Denise Salto
Sheila Bernstein
May 20, 2014 | Fair Lawn, NJ
I met Ned in 2011 through Lost Playwrites and was first impressed with his European gentility and expansive knowledge. Through that and other writing organizations and readings I was increasingly impressed by his talent at languages and the use of words. I also appreciated his ironic, sometimes biting, humor. He was one of the most accomplished literary talents, if not the most, in the Hendersonville area.In all, he
was a genuinely nice person and a unique soul who will be greatly...
Patricia Vestal
May 20, 2014 | Hendersonville, NC
Ned was so interesting and kind. As I think of him I hear the strength and beauty of his voice as he read his work to us. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with Marilyn.
Charlotte Epley
May 19, 2014 | Rutherfordton, NC
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I taught with Ned at Westwood and will always treasure his "gentle" manner.
Luz Quintana
May 19, 2014 | NJ
Tom and Marlene Bennett
Kings Mountain, N. C.
May 18, 2014
Gordon Pendarvis
May 18, 2014 | Forest City, NC
Roberto Di Pietro
May 18, 2014 | Turin, Italy