Nunzio Biondello Obituary (1924 - 2022)

MADISON-Nunzio Biondello passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on March 5, 2022, in Augusta, ME. Nunzio, a longtime resident of the towns of Madison and Litchfield, is predeceased by his wife of 60+ years, Margaret. He is survived by his children, Alaine Roselle, Richard Biondello, and Sarah Biondello; his grandchildren; Jill Sorrentino, Stanley L. and Michelle A. Sorrentino, Alexandra Armanino, and Davi Armanino; and great-granddaughter, Marcosa Hill. Nunzio was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 2, 1924, to Salvatore and Rosaria Biondello, who emigrated to the US in the early 1900’s from Valguarnera Caropepe, Sicily. Growing up in the depression had a dramatic impact on his outlook on many things during his long life. Nunzio had a long career in civil service as a Corrections Officer at Riker’s Island, and a court officer in NY Supreme Court, Brooklyn, before moving to Maine in 1982. Nunzio had a long and distinguished military record beginning with enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served honorably during WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. During WWII, Nunzio was a radioman who took part in DDay where he oversaw radio operations on LCI 401, a landing craft delivering forces to Omaha Beach. It was here that Nunzio received severe trauma to his eardrums which led to his eventual permanent disability. Despite this, Nunzio reenlisted in the Navy for the Korean Conflict and served from 1950 to 1952. Nunzio was a Naval Reservist for many years and even went on to join the Coast Guard in 1972 serving until 1974. Never one to be idle and always willing to serve, Nunzio joined the New York Air National Guard where he was activated to provide support for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Wanting to be closer to his family, he and his wife moved to Maine in 1982 where he joined the Maine Air National Guard. Nunzio retired in 1984 as a Maineiac assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor. His major award and decorations include the WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Air Reserve Forces Medal, and many other ribbons and citations. In the last few years of his life, Nunzio received loving care and assistance from his grandchildren Stanley and Jill. He also received invaluable physical and moral support from his longtime friend and fellow veteran, Brad Farrin and his wife Lynn Farrin. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 10 from 4pm to 6pm at Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Avenue Skowhegan ME. A Military Service will held in the spring. Please visit www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com to share your condolences with Nunzio’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation.