Nicola Cornelio passed away in his home the evening of October 18th in the company of his loving family. He was 93. Born and raised in Orsogna, in the Abruzzo region of Italy, he was the son of the late Lucio and Caterina (Sorridente) Cornelio. In the aftermath of World War II, Nicola was married and went to find work in Argentina to support his wife and daughter. Nicola’s wife Maria and their daughter, Rita, emigrated to the United States in 1958 and he soon joined them at their new home in Boston’s North End. With the addition of their son, the couple bought a new home in Medford in 1967. Nicola worked for many years as a laborer with Local 22.
Throughout his career Nicola was involved in most of the biggest construction projects in Boston at that time, including buildings at Boston University, the Prudential Building, the John Hancock Tower, the Museum of Fine Arts and several Hospitals. He had a strong work ethic and did everything to provide for his wife and children. He was proud of his Italian heritage but also was grateful and proud to be an American. Nicola was a fun loving guy. He enjoyed the company of his family (especially his grandchildren) and his many friends. He was a founding member of the Sons of Orsogna Society and the Orsogna Plaza Club in Everett. Because of a work related injury, he retired early and got to spend wonderful times with his beloved Maria. After Maria’s passing he met Dawn and the two of them enjoyed time together in Florida during the winters.
Nicola was the beloved husband of Dawn E. Rogers and the late Maria (Conforte) Cornelio and the he was a devoted and loving father of Rita Cornelio of Medford and Nicholas “Lenny” Cornelio and his wife Marie of Woburn. He was a loving grandfather to Alexandria and Nico Cornelio. The dear brother of Domenico Cornelio of Italy, Nicola is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews in the US, Canada and Italy.
Family and friends may visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4 through 8 PM and again on Thursday morning, October 24th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nicola's name to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the charity of One's choice.