John Nicholas Nelli

John Nicholas Nelli
CARY -- Mr. Nelli, 47, died October 8, 2004, with his family at his home. John was a loving husband, devoted father, dutiful and caring son and brother, and loyal friend whose enthusiasm for life, strength of character, and love of the Lord will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Patrice Cecchetti Nelli, his sons, Nicholas, Nathan, Garrett, and Austin. He is also survived by his parents, Joseph and Dolarita Nelli of Gastonia and his grandmother, Giovannina Nelli of Riverton, NJ. Also surviving are brothers J. Robert Nelli, Jr. and wife Eileen, of South Windsor, CT, James Nelli and wife Katherine, of Gastonia, Thomas Nelli and wife Cortney, of Fisherville, VA, Christopher Nelli and wife Michelle, of Austin, TX, William Nelli and wife Kristen, of Simpsonville, SC, Steven Nelli of Las Cruces, NM, and sister Jeanne Marie Vick and husband John, of Simpsonville, SC. In addition, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews and was blessed with a dedicated and loving in-law family.
Born on March 30, 1957 in Cincinnati, Ohio, John grew up in Gastonia. He attended St. Michael's Catholic School and Ashbrook High School. He graduated from Appalachian State University and received his masters degree in accounting from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. John began his professional career in Durham in 1980 and lived in Raleigh and Durham until 1989 when he and his family moved to Salt Lake City, UT, Pawleys Island, SC, and Matthews, NC. A resident of Cary since 1995, he was most recently employed by Tangram Enterprise Solutions of Cary as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex. As an avid outdoorsman, John loved to fish, camp, and especially duck hunt. He also enjoyed coaching youth basketball and baseball. His special passion was football, which he coached for the past 8 years with Cary Pop Warner.
John was devoted to his children, giving them an example of faith lived with enormous courage, grace, and humor. The courageous spirit with which John Nelli lived his life will live forever in all those who knew him.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and School on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 7pm. A funeral mass to celebrate John's life and faith will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church at 2pm on Monday, October 11, 2004 with Father Donald F. Staib officiating. Pallbearers will be Norwood G. Jones, Jr., James McCormick, Jr., Mitchell Mumma, James Nelli, J. Robert Nelli, Jr., and James V. Taggart. A graveside service will follow at New Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family extends its gratitude for the many prayers and the kindness demonstrated by family and dear friends around the world, especially those in Gastonia. A special thank you to the staff at the Duke Brain Tumor Center, especially Elaine Martell and Dr. James Brendenburgh. Memorial contributions may be made to Duke Brain Tumor Center - 04BT, Angels Among Us, c/o Team Nelli, DUMC 3828, Durham, NC 27710 or to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and School, 625 Magdala Place, Apex, NC 27502.
Arrangements by Apex Funeral Home, 919-362-8233.