Obituary of Grace Marie Nardslico

In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 1st, 2024, Grace Marie Chickillo Nardslico - beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, left us quietly and peacefully to be with the Lord. Grace was born on September 5, 1932, to Antoinette and Rocco Chickillo, the eldest of their three daughters. She was born in Scranton, PA, and lived there until her mid-20s, during which time she met the love of her life, Albert Nardslico. They married in Scranton on September 5, 1959, and shortly thereafter moved to Rome, NY, where they lived for 56 years and raised their four children.

Grace was a stay-at-home mom for several years before working part-time as an aide to the mentally disabled, a job she loved. As her children grew older, she secured a position as a Data Control Clerk with the Regional Control Center in Rome, a role she held for 26 years. After retirement, she and Al enjoyed 25 winters in Florida, cross-country trips with friends, and several trips to Italy. Grace will be remembered as a quiet force and the engine behind her husband. A spiritual woman with a generous heart, she never spoke ill of anyone. She had a quick wit and was a navigational wizard until her passing. Her life was enriched by her cherished family and close friends.

Grace is survived by her four children and their spouses: Maryanne (Daniel) Patane, Albert Jr. (Terri) Nardslico, Donna (Donato) Ripa, and Robert (Diane) Nardslico, as well as her grandchildren: Carly (Max), AJ (Chelsea), Danielle (Chad), Domenica, Nicholas (Cathilyn), Maria, Alaina, Dominick, Anna, Alyssa, Natalie, William, and her great-grandson, Mikey. She will be greatly missed by her sister Gloria (Anthony) Arnese; her niece Kathy (Jeff) Tallarino Gray; and many other nieces and nephews. She cherished her longtime friendship with Mike and Mary Jane Benedetto. She was preceded in death by husband Albert and her sister Sandra Zazzera.

Calling hour will be held at 11 AM to 12 PM at  the Church of St. John the Baptist in Rome, NY, on June 20, 2024, with a funeral mass to follow at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Brookgreen Gardens, PO Box 3368, Pawley’s Island, SC 29585 - please note “In memory of Grace Nardslico.”

Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.