Nicholas R. CANDERELLI Sr.

1942 - 2021

CANDERELLI, Nicholas R. Sr., passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on February 9, 2021, due to complications from COVID in Richmond, Va. Nick was born in Astoria, Queens, New York City, to Santo and Angelina Canderelli, nee Pedota, of New York City on April 16, 1942. He was a graduate of St. Alphonsus and Boys High School in New York City, N.Y.; there are stories to this day by his elementary and high school best friend about Nick being a funny guy as they ate lunch together every day. Nick spent his business career in the banking- and credit-related industries, working until his current illness took him away. Nick had a great work ethic that influenced the people around him, where one of his friends from the banking industry referred to him as a great man and easy to get along with. It was just how Nick was. He was a self-made man. Nick's work ethic did not always transfer to the home. A memory that brings a smile is how he referred to leaves or snow removal, "God put it there, God will take it away"; we can always say that he tried. He dealt with adversity in a stoic manner, yet always kept the faith; some of the home projects did go awry. He loved playing sports and watching, particularly basketball. Nick was playing basketball with the much younger guys until his early seventies. He was a lifelong card player. Nick's ability to remain calm helped him with the challenges in his life. This includes the hardships of a sick spouse with a chronic illness, who preceded him in death, to being a devoted father. This devotion to family found that he made time to be a part of his children's lives from Little League or similar, then to his grandchildren's games or activities. This peace was reflected in how he coped with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. He is survived by his devoted second wife of nine years, Anita L. Canderelli, who is greatly grieving his loss; son, Nicholas (Vicky); daughter, Carolyn Cowan (David, preceded in death); daughter, Angela Murphy (Mike); grandchildren, Gina, Patrick, Bridget, Mackenzie, Olivia, Madison, Mikey; his beloved only younger brother, Anthony (Linda); niece, Stacey; many cousins; sister-in-law, Nancy (Lloyd) Glenzer; several nieces and nephews. His first wife, Jerelynn, of 37 years died in 2001. Nick died surrounded by his loving children in this difficult world of COVID, kept behind a glass door to view his last moments. A Celebration of Life is to be scheduled later in the future. Donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.