Nick J. Mendiola

Nicholas J. “Nick” Mendiola, age 96, of Ravenna entered into eternal life on January 6, 2022. We thank his caregivers at Independence Village and Western Reserve Hospice for their loving care. Nick was born August 22, 1925 in Ravenna, Ohio to beloved parents Antonio and Carmela (Bucci) Mendiola. Nick was married on Sept. 27, 1947 to his beloved Madonna M. (Trocchio) for 72 years who sadly passed away July 15, 2019. Nick was also preceded in death by his parents & siblings sister Lucille (Duane) Jones, Elsie (Marion) Esposito and his brothers John Mendiola, Pat Mendiola (Hilda) and George (Karen) Mendiola. Nick is the cherished father of Carmella S. Vacca (Tony) and Anthony J. Mendiola (Carole), loving grandfather of Erin (David) Puleo, Danny Gaffney, Nick Mendiola (Brittney), Nina Wandrisco (Zack), and special great-grandfather to four: Marlowe & Emilia Mendiola and Leah & Matthew Wandrisco. Nick is also survived by his sister Mary Fritz and many loving nieces and nephews. Nick was a WWII Vet and attended Oklahoma A&M University for aerial flight training. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force 455th Bombardment Group at San Giovanni in southern Italy. He saw plenty of action as a nose gunner in a B24 heavy bomber & flew 25 missions in Europe. After the war, he attended Kent State University and went to work for Gougler Industries in Kent, Ohio as a draftsman, sales department manager and eventually purchased Gougler Industries. Nick loved all sports and was an avid sports memorabilia collector. He was most passionate about his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. Nick loved spending time on Kelley’s Island during the summer months, where he enjoyed the Island life with his friends and family. His kindness, smiles and many stories will be missed, as he was truly one of a kind. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Chad Johnson on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 409 W. Main St., Ravenna. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery with full military honors provided by the US Air Force and Kent American Legion 496 honor guards. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Padre Pio Foundation, https://padrepio.com/giving/