Nico Russell Lombardi

 Nico Russell Lombardi, 13, of Scotch Plains, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

 A beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, his life was filled with joy, love, and an unforgettable sense of humor.  Nico was the sweetest boy, known by all for his kind heart and bright smile.

Nico began his education at Evergreen Elementary School and was currently an 8th-grade student at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School in Scotch Plains.

Nico’s greatest passion was his family and friends. Whether he was playing basketball, gaming online, riding bikes, all night sleepovers with his friends and cousin Oliver, or just hanging out around town, he was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He played with both SPF-PAL Travel Basketball and a close-knit AAU team of friends out of Hoop Heaven. He especially loved playing NBA2K with his buddies and spending countless hours shooting hoops at Forest Road Park. Nico also cherished family vacations and time spent at the beach, making joyful memories.

 Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Rossi Funeral Home, 1937 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.  Overflow parking will be available at School One & Malcolm C Nettingham Middle Schools, Crossing Guards will be posted at the Middle School on Park Avenue, Westfield Avenue and Second Street, along with the intersection at Westifeld Avenue and Forest Rd.   A private service will take place for family and close friends on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Rossi Funeral Home, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery, 1401 Woodland Avenue, Scotch Plains.

He is survived by his loving parents, Elio and Jennifer Lombardi, and his devoted siblings, Elio Joseph and Demi Elizabeth. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Janice Hanas; his aunts and uncles, Adele and Shane McPherson, and Jessica and Christopher Trask; and his cousins, Ryan and Kyle McPherson, and Oliver and Victoria Trask. Nico is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Gina and Eli Lombardi.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Nico’s memory to his GoFundMe; https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-nico-lombardi-support-his-family Proceeds will be used to create scholarship opportunities in partnership with the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Basketball program and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League.