Richard A. Nardella

Richard A. Nardella, age 83 of Woolwich Twp., NJ passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Born in Philadelphia to the late Anthony Nardella Sr. and Adele (nee Elisii), he graduated from Bishop Neumann High School Class of 1959. Rich served in the US Army where he was a paramedic. He was very patriotic and loved his country. Rich earned a business degree from St. Joseph's University in food marketing, became a self-made businessman and was the former owner of Nardella Wholesale and Fruit Inc., passing down a legacy for his family's future. Rich was a devoted Catholic, member of the Masons & Shriners, and a leader, contributor, and benefactor to many business and service organizations. He was also a past member of the Mummers and played the accordion and organ.
Rich was an avid Philadelphia Eagles & Phillies Fan, enjoyed playing & watching golf, and going fishing & boating. He loved sitting on his porch in Longport, NJ, breaking HOA rules in his community, and was never afraid of giving his advice or opinion. Rich made himself available 24/7 for any of his family, friends, and co-workers in need.
His family was the most important to him. He did his best to provide and protect them and was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments. Rich will be greatly missed by his family.
Husband of the late Judith M. Nardella (nee Decker), he is survived by his daughter, Dana Durante & her husband, John; grandchildren, Kristina McLean & her husband, Ed, Richard Durante & his wife, Ashley, Francis McDonald III, Megan Burkholder & her husband, Lee, and Serina Durante; great grandchildren, Bennett Durante, Olivia McLean, Brooklyn Burkholder, and Juliet McLean; and his brother, Anthony Nardella Jr. & his wife, Patricia. Rich was predeceased by his daughter, Judy A. McDonald-Dunn & her husband, Ronald Dunn Sr., his grandson, Michael McDonald, and his brother, Francis Nardella.
Relatives & friends may visit from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, December 16th at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ and from 9:30 am to 10:15 am on Wednesday, December 17th at Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ where a funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org., or the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation at www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation.
Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.