Robert Joseph Nicolella, Sr.

Robert Joseph Nicolella, Sr., 86, of Washington, died on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in the Washington County Health Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born on January 30, 1926, in Washington, a son of Antonio “Tony” and Nicolina Maccherola Nicolella. After attending Washington High School, Mr. Nicolella served in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, from January 28, 1944, until his honorable discharge as Ship’s Cook Third Class, on June 2, 1946. For his service, he was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Following the service, he worked as a driver for Bunny Bread. He had also worked at Hazel Atlas. He owned a construction company, and opened HyFy on Jefferson Ave., with his brother, Joe. Mr. Nicolella then opened Peppino Specialized Foods, a deli and catering business, in Tylerdale, following which he opened Peppino’s Restaurant and Bar, which he owned and operated for 27 years. For 20 years, he served on the City Council. He was in charge of the Parks and Recreation Department, from 1988, until 1990, and the Street Department, until 2008. Mr. Nicolella was a founding member and past president of the Tylerdale Civic Betterment League, a life member and past trustee of the Elks Club, member of the Life Independent Club and member of the Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175, of the American Legion. On August 12, 1961, he married Barbara Pavkovich, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Tony Nicolella, of Washington; Robbie Nicolella, of Canonsburg; and Billy Nicolella, of Washington; 3 daughters, Mary Jo (Anthony) Verardi, of O’Hara Township; Barbara Nicolella, of McMurray, and Roberta Jean Nicolella, of Silver Spring, MD; a brother, Joseph (Patty) Nicolella, of Washington; 4 grandchildren, Anthony, Nicolena and Isabella Verardi and Ashley Nicolella; 2 sisters-in-law, Rose Ross and Nancy Wilson, and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a son, Mark Nicolella and a brother, Angelo Nicolella. Friends will be received on Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012. Military rites by the Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175, of the American Legion, will be accorded at the church, following the Mass. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family, in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Additional information and guestbook are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.