Louis H. Nakley, 71, of Salem, NH and formerly of Lawrence, died May 15, 2010 at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born Dec. 21, 1938, Lou was a graduate of Lawrence High School, Class of 1957, and served his country in the Army from 1958-1960 when he was stationed in Germany.
A Salem resident since 1966, Lou worked many years as a route driver for Economy Cleaners of Lawrence. He was also well known in his role as pizza chef of Pizza Land (later Pizza Time) and at Stachey's Olde-Time Pizzeria in Salem, as well as other area restaurants. His colleagues and regular customers will remember his tireless work ethic, sense of humor and willingness to help others. In his free time, Lou was an avid fan of music and sports, equally happy watching a classic movie musical or a Patriots game. His interests also included cars, coin collecting and photography, and he was the devoted owner of many dogs and other pets through the years.
Lou was a loving father and loyal friend who enjoyed meeting friends for coffee and catching up with family at holiday gatherings. He will be deeply missed by all of us whose lives he touched. His family extends special thanks to Merrimack Valley Hospice and Hospice House for the care and compassion they showed to Lou.
Lou is survived by his son David Nakley and his partner Robert Andrews of San Jose, CA; son Mitchell Nakley of Haverhill; daughter Rayna Merryfield, her husband Eric and stepchildren Kara and Jack of Andover; his former wife, Elaine Whiten and her husband Jerome of Methuen; and his sisters Ann Parker (widow of the late George Parker) of Salem; May Hedges (widow of the late Clarence Hedges) of Salem; and Sally Nakley of Londonderry. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be on Friday May 21, 2010 from 4 to 8 pm at The Goundrey and Dewhirst Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH. Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather at St Anthony Church, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence on Saturday May 22 to attend a Mass at 10:00 am. The burial will follow in St Anthony Cemetery, Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.