Nicholas M. "Big Nick" Gentile

Nicholas M. “Big Nick” Gentile, age 63, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away on August 29, 2023. He was the son of the late John and Evelyn (nee Mikolichick) Gentile.

“Big Nick” was the Chief Engineer and Life member of the Cardington Stonehurst Fire Company. He was a 28 year member of the Cardington Stonehurst Fire Company and has served in the roles of Firefighter, Assistant Engineer, and Chief Engineer. Nick also held the position of Board of Director for many years. He joined Cardington Stonehurst Fire Company in April of 1995 and instantly fell in love with the Fire service. Nick has played a pivotal role in ensuring the day to day operation of Cardington’s Apparatus never went overlooked.

Nick's love for the members and his community was second only to the love he has for his family. He cherished his wife Mary and Daughter Mary Bompadre who is Vice President of the Cardington Stonehurst Fire Company. Nick was always proud of Mary and her achievements in and out of the Fire Service and was especially proud of her achievements of becoming a Lieutenant for Cardington as well as her pursuit in nursing. He expressed great pride and love for his Son-in-law Anthony Bompadre who he watched also grow up through the ranks of Upper Darby's volunteer firefighters and eventually onto the Philadelphia Fire Department making his way to the top quickly.

Nick retired from the Upper Darby Township Parks Department and spent his days doing what he loved most, spending time with his family. There was no greater joy for him then playing with his granddaughters, especially at the pool. He was an avid Eagles fan and would watch the games from his recliner at home. Nick enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with his wife. In his spare time, Nick ran his own landscaping business. Nick was witty, outspoken, and always brutally honest, he will be missed by so many.

Nick was the beloved husband of Mary T. (nee Goetz) Gentile for 38 amazing years; loving father of Mary Bompadre (Anthony); adoring grandfather of Sara, Morgan, Madison, and McKayla; caring brother of Mark Gentile (Karla), Theresa Letcarage (Stephen), Valerie Hartman (Raymond), John Gentile, Janine Baker (Thomas), and the late Andrew Gentile. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Patricia Gentile and Denise Riddle (Tom), many loving nieces and nephews, and his grand-pup, Otis.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 and to his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cardington Stonehurst Fire Company, 350 Harrison Avenue, Upper Darby, PA 19082, would be appreciated.