Nicholas R. Tenerelli

Nicholas “Nick” R. Tenerelli Sr., 90, of Stevensville, MI passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his home. Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:30 PM, Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Deacon Michael Gallagher officiating. Friends may visit from 2:30 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice or Hanson Hospice. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Nick was born July 26, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Vito & Catherine (Chiarito) Tenerelli. He graduated from Crane Technical High School with Honors in 1944. Nick then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy during WWII; serving abroad the USS HORNET (CVS-8) in the Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1945. On October 4, 1952 he wed Bette Ruth Wilfred in Benton Harbor. Nick had exceptional skills when it came to sales and talking with people, as evidenced by his successful career as a salesman and manager for Sears for 40 years before retiring in 1980. He was a member of the National VFW, and the Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Nick was very proud of his heritage and took time to research and document his family’s history for his children and their families. He enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting their cottage on Big Crooked Lake in Sister Lakes during the summer. Nick will be remembered for being a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, great-grandfather and “compass” for his family. Nick is survived by his son Nick (Grace) Tenerelli II of Powder Springs, GA; daughter Sue (Mark) Moore of Stevensvile; grandchildren, Rachel (Kevin) Yurk of Hull, IA, Colleen Moore of Dorr, MI, Angela Tenerelli of Lake City, FL and Melody (David) Scarborough of Chattanooga, TN; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; siblings, Delores (Edmund) Kruger of Stevensville, Theresa Knight of Stevensville, Catherine (Brad) Hormann of South Haven and Vito (Jeri) Tenerelli of Odessa, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 64 years Bette on December 13, 2016; grandson Michael Moore on October 17, 2012 and siblings Phillip Tenerelli, Joseph Tenerelli, Anthony Tenerelli and Marie Moor.