Vincent Nichilo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Remembered as a loving grandfather, Vincent Nichilo, 68, a longtime resident of Great Kills, died Friday at his home in Huguenot.

He was born and raised in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, and moved to Staten Island in 1976, settling in Great Kills. He moved to Huguenot in 1998.

Mr. Nichilo owned and operated independent distribution routes for Coca Cola, Snapple, and, most recently, Pepperidge Farm.

He was very outgoing, said his son-in-law, Richard Coppola. He always put family and friends first.

Mr. Nichilo enjoying golf, walking on the Coney Island Boardwalk, and playing cards with friends. But he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his granddaughters, Victoria, Vanessa, and Jenna, his son-in-law added.

He served many terms as president of MFC Club in Coney Island, and was a long-time member of the South Shore Golf Course in Huguenot.

Mr. Nichilo worshipped at Our Lady of Solace R.C. Church in Brooklyn, and, more recently, worshipped at Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church in Huguenot.

In addition to his three granddaughters, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Joann Liguori; his daughter, Jennifer Coppola; his brother, Barry; and sister Theresa Francis.

The funeral will be Tuesday with a 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church, followed by burial in Resurrection Cemetery, both in Pleasant Plains. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Services: Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday January 22, 2013 at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church 10:30 AM . Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation: Friends will be received on Sunday January 20,2013 7-9 PM ONLY & Monday, January 21,2013 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM

Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island)

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Thomas The Apostle RC Church