Nicholas C. Gagliardi

Nicholas C. Gagliardi, 91 of Edgmont, PA died Sunday June 2, 2019 at Riddle Hospital in Media.

He was the husband of the late Colleen Breslin Gagliardi.

Born February 23, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Eugenio Gagliardi and Clara Vitale Gagliardi.

Nicholas graduated from Lower Merion High School, class of 1946 and Villanova College, class of 1952. 

Following high school, Nicholas joined the US Army, 6th Signal Company, as a Radio Operator in the Army of Occupation Japan, stationed in Korea.  Following college, he joined the US Air Force pilot training program and subsequently joined the Army National Guard, retired from service as a 1st Lieutenant, combat engineer unit commander.

Nicholas worked in the family business, a butcher shop and grocery store at 60th and Vine that subsequently became Gagliardi Bros in West Chester, the original creators of Steak-Umm and Table Treat Foods. Nick retired as Vice President and Treasurer.  Following the sale of the business Nicholas established Lease-a-Flight and Nuquest Corporations for corporate air travel and hangar services. 

He was an active member of the West Chester Rotary Club and charter member of the Westtown Goshen Rotary Club, hosting their annual picnic and organizing the clam bake fund raiser at Oakbourne Park. 

Nicholas enjoyed flying; he was owner and pilot of numerous small planes, his favorite, the Rockwell Commander, N1195J.  He also enjoyed bowling, softball, boating, fishing, four-wheeling, gardening and just sitting on the beach in the Outer Banks, dragging his band of kazoo playing buddies on numerous trips to the then wild and open National Seashore. You are all missed (Ralph, Charles, Bill M., Bill D., Eddie, and Phokion). 

He is survived by daughter, Colleen G. Bryan, son-in-law, Christopher Bryan, grandchildren Kenna and Cameron, his brother, Eugene Gagliardi, Jr., and sister, Louise Chakejian.

Nicholas was preceded in death by his brother Ralph M. Gagliardi, sisters-in-law Joan Gagliardi, Patricia Breslin and Linda Breslin.

Services and Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation -  www.parkinson.org

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.