Obituary of Rinaldo "Copa" Nistico

Rinaldo "Copa" Nistico a lifetime Yonkers resident, passed away on January 16, 2024, due to complications from cancer. Born on July 11, 1957, to Italian immigrant parents from Cardinale, Italy, Elisa Rosaria Nistico and Giuseppe Nistico who owned and operated Nistico's Italian Imports Retail and Wholesale for 60 years in Yonkers, New York.

Rinaldo was a man of many facets. His complex life involved many passions that he dedicated his time & energy to, some of which included his compassion towards children and the elderly. He always gave 200% of himself without hesitation, no matter what the situation was and whatever assistance was needed by him. His first and foremost priority and love above all was his family. Throughout his years he demonstrated his love, loyalty, and caring heart for his family through many acts of kindness and support. He was the backbone and primary caretaker of our parents & because of that it gave us the privilege to be blessed with extra time in sharing their lives with us.

Rinaldo will always be remembered as an icon in his own right and a man with a heart of gold. His presence will be missed, but his shining light will eternally live within us all.

Ronnie Nistico was the CEO of "Heart to Heart", a charitable auction foundation. The foundation consisted of rare auction memorabilia collected from around the world. His dedication to children's charities was very dear to him. He had a major impact on raising research funds for these devastating diseases. He has given back to the community in many ways, for example, he was a driving force with the Mariano Rivera foundation.

He has also dedicated many years at the famed restaurant, Rao's in East Harlem. His Rao's family will miss him greatly, as well as many loyal friends and extended family.

He lost his life to cancer, the disease he often held fundraisers for. He had a heartfelt relationship with his sisters that was admired by many.

He was predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Elisa, his sister, Graziella & his brother-in- law, Eddie. He is survived by his sisters, Marisa, Brunina, Lucia, Carolina (Edward Masterson), Eleanor (Joseph Cardoso), his brother Carlo (Susan Bottino).

He is also survived by his Aunt Norina, and Aunt Lucy, his 13 nieces and nephews & 18 great-nieces and nephews as well as many cousins residing both in New York and Italy.

Services will be held at the Sinatra Memorial Home, 499 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 on Tuesday, January 23, 2:00PM – 4:00PM & 6:00PM – 9:00PM and Wednesday, January 24, 2:00PM – 4:00PM & 6:00PM – 9:00PM.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 25 at 10:30AM at St John the Baptist Church, 670 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704, followed by an entombment at Ferncliff Cemetery.