NicolaAntonio Tinari passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. He was 96 years old. He is now united with the love of his life, Angela. Survived by her sons, Domenick Candelieri (Lia) and Gregory Candelieri (Yasuko), and their children, Noelle (Anthony DiGiacomo), Gregory Anthony Candelieri, and Domenick Candelieri; Also, great grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Donna Taggart (Stephen). Predeceased by his sister, Mary G. Serafini and his parents, Giuseppe Tinari and Serafina (nee Masciarelli). Also, survived by his niece, AnnaMarie Heisel (George) and his nephew, Nicholas G. Serafini, Jr. (Mary). As well as many great nieces and nephews, his loving cousin, Antonietta Iannucci, and many more loving cousins.
Born and raised in Casacanditella, Abruzzo, Italy, an idyllic small town. He attended school and completed 5th grade which was mandatory then went to trade school to become a carpenter. Nicola came to America after World War II with his mother to be united with his father, sister, and other close family. They settled in Philadelphia; he went to night school to study English shortly after he found a job in Northeast Philadelphia where they were building new homes. He put up 12 doors, hinges, etc. a day by himself. Later he found a job making all the desk teller windows and any furniture needed for banks; His boss called him “Michael Angelo.” After a while, he found a job in South Philadelphia on Reed St. as a cabinet maker/carpenter.
During his spare time, he enjoyed chocolate milkshakes at the fountain in the pharmacy, playing soccer and bocce, going to dances on the weekends and spending time with his friends. Also, he saw his first cowboy movie at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby.
Nicola could fix anything, as his wife would say. If he can’t fix it, throw it away. He helped family and friends with home projects.
Most of his life in American, he owned a car; his idea was, you can’t live in America without a car. Also, he enjoyed listening to the Italian radio and later the Italian Stations on cable TV. He was always detail-oriented, that’s what made him a great carpenter throughout his life. He would say Sunday was God’s Day. He was pleasant to everyone and a dapper dresser. He loved life and never gave up.
Many thanks to all his family and friends for their kindness through the years.
Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Thursday, April 9th, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM followed by his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM ALL IN CHURCH at Saint Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.
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Sandra Tinari
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