Nicola Perrone

August 22, 1938 – December 26, 2025

Nicola Perrone, a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2025, in Leesburg, VA, at the age of 87, surrounded by the deep love of his family.

Born in Formia, Italy, Nicola was a man of extraordinary warmth, vitality, and character whose roots in his homeland were a constant source of pride and inspiration. He brought the rich traditions, values, and spirit of Italy into every aspect of his life, creating a bridge between the country of his birth and the home he built in the United States. Nicola dedicated 42 years to a distinguished career with the Italian government, embodying integrity and diligence in all that he did. Later, he moved to the United States to be with his beloved family, embracing this chapter of life with the same passion and purpose that defined him.

Nicola’s profound love for his family was the guiding force of his life. Whether he was sharing a meal, offering thoughtful advice, or simply enjoying time together, his devotion to his wife, Elena De Conca, and his children, Emanuela Wenzel (Michael), Monica O’Neil (David), and Alessandra Zandi (Ali), was boundless. He found immense pride and pure joy in watching his beloved grandchildren Christopher Wenzel, Alyssa Wenzel, Samantha O’Neil, Sophia O’Neil, Claudia Zandi, and Julia Zandi grow and thrive, always delighting in their accomplishments and encouraging their dreams.

Beyond family, Nicola’s life was defined by a profound passion for music. A lifelong musician with a natural gift for melody, he could transform any moment into something unforgettable with his bass guitar in hand. For Nicola, music was not just an art form but a means of connection, joy, and expression. Through music, he wove an unbreakable bond with friends and strangers alike, leaving behind a legacy as uplifting and harmonious as the melodies he loved to play.

Nicola will be remembered always for his kind smile, infectious laughter, and a heart as open as it was generous. His playful jokes, wise words, and steadfast love made every person he met feel seen and valued. To know Nicola was to know comfort, joy, and the beauty of a life lived with purpose and a full heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Nicola’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Leesburg, VA, followed by burial at the Saint John the Apostle Catholic Cemetery in Leesburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the INOVA Health Foundation (https://join.inova.org/tribute), continuing Nicola’s legacy of compassion by honoring the medical teams who provided him with exceptional care and by supporting others in need. When making a donation through the INOVA tribute page, please select “Other” as the gift designation and specify INOVA Loudoun Hospital. You may also include the following email address in the contact information: [email protected].

Though his presence will be deeply missed, Nicola’s memory will remain a guiding light and a song that never fades. His love, wisdom, and music will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.