Richard Xavier Nelli

Richard (Dick) Xavier Nelli, passed away on April 8, 2018, at the age of 85. Dick was born September 18, 1932 in Chicago. Illinois, the son of Lorezno and Rosa Nelli. Hs family moved to the Chicago suburbs in 1934 and he grew up in Northbrook and Glenview, Illinois. Dick was preceded in death by his brother Louis J. Nelli in January, 1994 and by his sister Lee (Fontana) Patterson in June, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Ann Nelli, Daughter Julie Larson, of Phoenix, son Richard Brian Nelli of Rockford, IL, step-daughter Christy Woolley of Illinois, grand-daughter Devin Larson, Phoenix, and Nicholas and Katie Woolley, Illinois. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In 1952-1954, Dick served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Air Wing during the Korean Conflict. After Military service, he attended Northwestern University on the GI Bill and graduated with a BS degree in Accounting in 1958. He was employed at Northwestern University for seven years in a number of accounting positions. He served as Bursar at Illinois State University from 1965-1969 and graduated with an MS degree in Business in August on 1969. He Joined the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in Deerfield, Illinois, in 1972 as an auditor. He later became the Director of Compliance Auditing. During the 1986-1987 years, Dick did post-graduate work at Governor’s State University. He retired from ISAC in December 1997.

Dick was active in community service clubs, particularly the Deerfield Optimist Club as a member for over 20 years and serving as President in the 1988-1989 years.

After 4 years of retirement, Dick returned to work as an Internal Auditor for the Gila River Community near Phoenix, Arizona. Dick was employed for 5 years and retired once again in January, 2007. Dick was very active in the VITA (Volunteer in Tax Assistance) program in the Gila River community from 2002 through 2007 and following his second retirement continued each year through 2017. Dick will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at Valley of the Sun in Chandler Arizona on Sunday April 22, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd Chandler, AZ 85248. Burial will take place this summer in Illinois, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Mary's food bank alliance, located at 2831 N 31st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85009.