Nick Gentile, Jr.

Struthers - Nick  Gentile, Jr., 84, passed away Tuesday morning, February 6, 2024, at Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman surrounded by his loving family.  

One of ten children, Nick was born March 8, 1939 in Acosta, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Nick and Louise (Zaksek) Gentile.

Nick's family settled in Struthers where Nick was a graduate of Struthers High School, Class of 1958. He excelled in football as a fullback and was one of the "four horsemen" of the Wildcat backfield. Nick's proudest high school moment was being  chosen for All-Steel Valley Conference and All Ohio honors for football. He also played high school basketball and was a member of the track team. He received a full football scholarship to Indiana University where he was chosen most valuable player on the freshman team and was slated to start at fullback the following year.  After one year of college, Nick returned to the area and worked for Federal Wholesale Company. He retired from the Teamsters Local 377, Youngstown, in the year 2000, after forty years of service.

Nick was inducted in the Struthers High School Hall of Fame. He holds company in the Hall of Fame with his two brothers, John and Jim Gentile.  He was known throughout the Mahoning Valley for his involvement in numerous bocce leagues including St. Anthony's Bocce League in Struthers, which he co-founded with Jim Visingardi, Sr. in 1977 and managed for many years. Nick was also a member of the ARCO Club and Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers. Nick enjoyed collecting coins and gardening tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and canning.

Nick leaves to carry on his legacy his children, Michael J. Gentile of Struthers, OH, Christine L. (Atty Thomas M.) Vasvari of Poland, Lorraine (Russell) Coalmer of Canfield, and Virginia N. (Paul) Trimacco of Campbell; a brother, Dr. James M. Gentile of Poland; five grandchildren, Atty.Thomas (Atty Kaitlyn) Vasvari, Amanda (Eduardo) Mateo, Madeleine Coalmer, Matthew (fiancée Jessica Hobart) Coalmer, and Elijah Trimacco;  three great-grandchildren, Carmen Mateo, Lola Mateo, and Thomas D. Vasvari,II; and his longtime friend, Ben Bruno of Struthers, OH.

In addition to his parents, Nick was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Lisa M. Gentile; five sisters, Jenny L Armeni, Marge Gentile, Antoinette Linhart, Virginia Romeo, and Ann Bespitay; and three brothers, Michael, Anthony, and John Gentile.

The family would like to recognize Ben Bruno, Nick's quarterback and lifelong friend for his companionships throughout the years.  Nick treasured the many gatherings with Ben at Belleria in Struthers and the continuous visits until the very end.  

Family and friends may call on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman. A funeral service celebrating Nick's life will follow on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Martin Celuch, officiating. 

Nick's family would like to recognize and acknowledge the hemodialysis nurses, Jodi and Yvette at Shepherd of the Valley for taking such great care of our Dad.  

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Nick's family.