Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1934 – Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024
Shrewsbury – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Luigi (Gino) Nardella, 89, of Shrewsbury, on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 in his home after a brief illness with his loving family by his side.
Luigi was born on August 14, 1934 to Michele Nardella and Maria LaPorta in the small town of San Paolo di Civitate, Foggia, Italy. In 1959, he left Italy to work in Canada. He met his wife, Caterina (Mattero) Nardella in 1962, and immigrated to the United States.
He came to the United States with hopes of living the American Dream . . . and that he did! Not one to shy away from hard work, he worked multiple jobs to build a better life for himself and his family.
Having great skill as a welder, he began his career in this country at Arduini Manufacturing Company. In 1973, he co-founded American Fabricating Corporation with two brothers, Theodossios and Constantinos Lalos. In 1980, they were recognized by then Governor Ed King for founding one of the fastest growing small businesses in Massachusetts. Luigi later went on to become an owner in another sheet-metal fabricating company, Fabrico, Inc.
After he “semi-retired” in 1999, he began investing in commercial real estate with his daughter. He has spent the past 25 years meticulously developing and maintaining properties along Route 9 in Shrewsbury.
Luigi leaves his beloved wife Caterina. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on June 30th. In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter, Maria Lemieux, and her husband Philippe, of Shrewsbury and their children Taylor Lemieux of Boston and Bailey Lemieux of Los Angeles, California. He also leaves a sister, Marguerita DelBuono, of Nottingham, England, and many nieces and nephews. Luigi was predeceased by his parents and brother, Angelo Nardella, of San Paolo di Civitate, Italy and his sister, Michelina Villani of Shrewsbury.
A strong work-ethic was instilled upon him at a very early age. He was always happy when he was busy. As much as he accomplished in life, nothing brought him greater joy or more pride than his grandchildren. And, he had no problem taking time off to be there for each and every important moment in their lives.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider honoring Luigi’s memory with a donation to one of the following organizations: St. Mary’s Parish, 20 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or online https://www.stmarysparish.org/; Anthonian Association of the Friends of Saint Anthony, 6107 N. Kenmore Ave, Ste. 5, Chicago, IL 60660 or online https://service.santantonio.org/donation/; or, Visitation House, Inc., 119 Endicott Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or online https://visitationhouse.org/.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Luigi’s family from 4-7 PM on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, followed by burial at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
