Leonard J. Nitti, 94; beloved husband of Joan (Donnelly). Beloved son of the late Michael J. and Catherine (Picerno) Nitti. Loving father of Kathy Georgen, Mary Nitti, Michael (Sharon) Nitti, Patty (Corey) Fishman, and Laura (Scott) Lemajeur; grandfather of Beth (John) Geib, Michael (Annie) Nitti, Tom (fiancé Ali) Nitti, Amy Fishman, Kimberly (Joshua) Fouke, Kelly (Michael) Westwood, Emily Fishman, Ryan Fishman, John and Katie Lemajeur; great-grandfather of Wesley, Lyla and Sam; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
During WWII Leonard (Ned) enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a radio gunner. He flew 30 missions over Germany in a B17 Flying Fortress with the 8th Air Force’s 92nd Bombardment Group, 326th Bomber Squadron. On a routine mission flying from one base to another in England, his plane met with severe weather and crashed on the grounds of Highclere Castle. Ned was the only survivor.
Ned was a mechanical engineer for Teletype Corporation for 35 years. He was a very creative and artistic man who loved to work with his hands; re-modeling his home, helping his kids with art projects, creating landscapes for model trains and slot cars, adding his personal touch to the family Christmas village just to name a few.
Visitation was January 24 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles. Funeral Mass was January 25 at St. John Brebeuf Church. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Information 847-966-7302.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.
