Stephen A. Nardelli, Sr. Dies at 77

Stephen A. Nardelli, Sr. Dies at 77

Stephen Nardelli, Sr., (77) of Wakefield, RI passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 14th. He was the loving husband of Jane Headley who never left his side throughout his battle. In better times, they enjoyed the beach together and dancing the night away. 

Steve was an adoring father and incredible role model to Marissa Nardelli (Nicki) of Warwick, Stephen and Jennifer Nardelli Jr. of Cranston, and stepfather to Matthew and Rachel McEntee of Foster.  His grandchildren, Stephen III, Siena, and Sofia Nardelli of Cranston and Jack, Ryan, Adam, and Owen McEntee of Foster were his whole world. He enjoyed attending all of their games, going to the beach with them, and looked forward to their daily calls and FaceTime chats.

Steve was predeceased by his parents Dante and Genevieve (O’Malley) Nardelli of Smithfield. He also leaves behind his sister Kathleen Nardelli of North Providence and his brother Dante Nardelli of Pascoag.  With his infectious laugh, and big personality, Steve was always the life of every party, sometimes even breaking out his accordion.  When Steve wasn’t working or at the beach he could be found playing hockey with the Rhody Oldies or jumping on stage at a local Stevie Smith and the Naked’s show to sing Mustang Sally.

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He will be remembered by all of Smithfield as being the best Physical Education teacher who played “Chicken Fat” to get them moving, a coach who inspired his hockey players, and a friend to all.  He never forgot a face or a name.

He graduated from La Salle Academy; and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and his master’s degree from Providence College.  Following his retirement from Smithfield Public Schools, Steve went on to work at RIDE. He was the founding Executive Director of the RI League of Charter Schools and was a lobbyist for Advocacy Solutions and the Sargent Center.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10 am in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third Street, East Greenwich.  Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. 

VISITING HOURS Monday from 4-8 pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rt. 1A), Narragansett.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.