Rena M. Nicodemi

COLUMBUS OH - Rena M. Nicodemi, 100, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022. Rena was born in San Costanzo, Province of Pesaro e Urbino in the Marche region of Italy, on March 31, 1922. She immigrated at the age of seven with her mother to the United States in 1929 and entered the country in New York City, through Ellis Island, settling in Schenectady where they joined with her father. She also lived in Niskayuna and Glenville before finally settling in Columbus Ohio.
Rena graduated Nott Terrace High School in 1941.Upon graduation she met the love of her life, Andrew Nicodemi.In 1943, with the war raging and Andy enlisted, Rena and Andy married right before he shipped out to Europe for two years. After being honorably discharged, Andy returned to Schenectady where they started a family and had two children.
Rena’s early years were spent employed by the Wallace Company and the American Locomotive Company. When her children were born she stayed home to become a homemaker. Later on she worked parttime with Bolton Realty and the law firm of Wemple Daly.
A devoted Catholic, she was a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Church and a member of the Sacred Heart League for 55 years. She sang in the church choir, was a member of the Holy Angels Sodality, volunteered as a baker with Sister Maria Rosa for the church Festa, volunteered at the Inner City Food Pantry, taught knitting at the Glenville Elementary School to 3rd graders and was a leader of the R.S.V.P. organization teaching exercise class. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Leisure Club, Annie Schaffer Senior Center and the Scotia Glenville Senior Center.She was a caring mother, loving wife and a stylish woman whose fabulous smile will truly be missed.
Some of her favorite hobbies were cooking, knitting, crocheting, quilting, playing cards and traveling.
Rena was predeceased by her parents, Augusto and Anadina (Martinelli) Gregoretti. She was also predeceased by her husband Andy.
Rena leaves her two loving children and their spouses: Nadine Corna and her husband Richard of Dublin OH; David Nicodemi and his wife Dale of Westfield MA; her grandchildren Michael Biagi and his wife Michelle of Powell OH; Jennifer Noble of Upper Arlington OH; Damien Nicodemi and his wife Alexa of Grass Valley CA; Emily (Nicodemi) Velis and her husband John of Westfield MA. Her great grandchildren Brooke and Mark Biagi; Jordan Zimmer; Sophia Noble; Carson Velis.
Rena is also survived by her sister Nancy Ruscitto and her sons Robin and Peter, Robin’s wife Colleen and their extended families. Additionally, she will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends.
Lastly, Rena is survived by her best friend, Wanda Duquette, who was indeed a very special friend to her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Church, 331 Seward Place. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Glenville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rena’s memory to St. Anthony’s Church in Schenectady; the Food Pantry, and the Disabled American Veterans.