Marlborough – Niel (Aniello) S. Fossile, 71, of Marlborough, passed away Wednesday March 16, 2016 in Naples, Fla. as a result of injuries he suffered after being hit while riding his bike.
He was born March 13, 1945 in Aiello del Sabato, Province of Avellino, Italy, to the late Mario and Carmela (Festa) Fossile.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Geraldine (Battaglino) Fossile; three sons, Neal Fossile and his wife Karen of Hudson, Mario Fossile and his wife Kelly of Marlborough, and Carmine Fossile and his wife Tracy of Marlborough; his daughter, Linda Di Liddo and her husband Darin of Marlborough; and 12 grandchildren, Joseph, Christina, Michael, Stephanie, Gianna, Brandon, Bianca, Lina, Gabriella, Cassandra and Neal A. Fossile, and Franco Di Liddo. He is also survived by two sisters, Gilda Spagnuolo of Atripalda and Clara Cece of Stefano del Sole, both in the province of Avellino, Italy. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends in the United States, Italy, and Canada. He was the brother of the late Anna Fossile, Maria Fossile, Anna Fossile, Gerarda DeCuiceis, Maria Nardiello, and Sabato Fossile.
Niel was educated in Italy, where he had a 5th grade education. He began working at the age of 12 as a plaster’s apprentice and by the age of 17 he was a mason. After marrying in Italy in 1963, he and his wife came to the United States, where they lived in the Newton area for a short time before eventually settling in Marlborough.
Niel worked in construction doing residential masonry and concrete work. He then joined the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasters’ International Union, where he was a foreman. In 1973, he left the Union and formed his own masonry business.
He and his wife began building homes on the side while he did masonry work. Together, they expanded their house building business to land development. He was personally involved in developing 18 subdivisions in the central Massachusetts area, and built over 1,000 homes throughout central, northern and western Massachusetts.
With his work ethic and knowledge, he was very successful with his businesses. Both he and his wife were the founders of Fossile Construction, Inc., which they gave to their three sons in October 2012. He was also the president and owner of Tribune Construction Inc. and Fossile Enterprises, which he was currently managing.
He was a former member of St. Ann’s Parish in Marlborough and was currently a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough.
He enjoyed travelling with his wife, playing cards, gardening, taking care of his fruit trees, watching sports, especially hockey. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, relatives, and friends. He was known as a dedicated and hardworking individual by everyone who knew him.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, March 29, at 11 a.m., in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough. Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 28, from 4-8 p.m., in the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clardy Children’s Fund, c/o Avidia Bank, 42 Main St., Hudson, MA 01749.
