Obituary of Vito Nicola Laudadio

Nick Laudadio was born on February 24, 1932 in Mola di Bari, Italy. Nick came to the United States in 1949 at the age of 17 with his mother Anna, joining his father who had come to work on the bustling Tacoma Waterfront. His brother Leonardo arrived the following year and the family lived in South Tacoma. Very soon Nick found himself laboring on the waterfront, learning to speak English and building his proud legacy of hard work and family pride. It was through his work as a longshoreman and later in the steel foundries that Nick met his most treasured and lifelong friends. Although his heart was always in the old country, Nick loved America greatly. Perhaps even more so, he loved the American political system. On July 22, 1954 Nick registered to vote, only 5 years after coming to live in America. Nick traveled back to Mola several times and in 1968 he married his love, Rosa and brought her to America. Nick and Rosa settled in the North end of Tacoma, near family and close friends. Nick loved great food and good wine, especially in the company of family and friends. Nick gardened vegetables and made his own wine, which often was the centerpiece of a great meal at the Laudadio home. Nick loved basketball and often somewhat disappeared from any social scene during basketball season. He reveled in politics, world affairs and was an astute student of current events. Accordingly, he loved bantering opinions on such with his brother, good friends and later his sons. The most distinctive characteristic of Nick was his unending devotion to his family or otherwise "La famiglia". Any endeavor Nick pursued was resolutely focused on benefiting the livelihood of his past, present and future family legacy. His father Vito Laudadio, beloved mother Anna Laudadio and brother Leonard Laudadio precede Nick in death. Nick is survived by Rosa, his wife of 41 years; two sons "Vittorio" Victor (Marcie) and "Pietro" Peter (Melinda). Nick is the extremely proud Nonno (Grandpa) of Nicolas and Andrianna Laudadio. Many cousins, in-laws, nieces & nephews in the United States, Canada and Italy also survive Nick. Nick was a member of St. Rita's Catholic Church for more than 60 years. Rosary service will be recited at 6 pm Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 am, both at St. Rita's; 1403 S. Ainsworth Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to St. Rita's Church or the Tacoma General Hospital Cardiovascular Unit. The family also wishes to recognize the work of the Doctor's and Nurses of Allenmore and Tacoma General Hospital's. We thank you for your amazing compassion and care of the Laudadio Family. Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home 253-472-3353