MENDOTA - Nicholas Vito Lonero III, 63, of Mendota, passed away peacefully with his loved ones around him on Dec. 15, 2021.

Nick requested a celebration of life be held in his honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Nick’s loved ones to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life at Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota on Dec. 20 from 5-7 p.m. A service will follow at 7 p.m. with Father Jeff Windy officiating.

Nick was born April 25, 1958 in Chicago to Nicholas and Maryann (Lombardi) Lonero II.

Survivors include his honey, his wife Maria; his daughter, Faith (Josh); son, Nicholas (Mayra); son, Marco (Ashely); daughter, Kasha (Joe); and daughter, Olimpia; many grandchildren, Philip, Madison, Alison, Maisie, Milo, Eddie, Aria, Joey, Kora, Katrina, Issac and Cassandra; his beloved “pupper,” Maximillian Leonardo Lonero; three siblings, Roseann (Jim), Nicolette (Tom) and Michael; and was a fond uncle of his nephews and niece.

Nick grew up in Chicago near Taylor Street, in the heart of little Italy. His heart and inner cowboy came out of him and brought him home to Mendota. He worked as an over-the-road truck driver for 30-plus years and enjoyed spending family time with his grandchildren and loved ones, fishing, being an amazing gardener (Mr. Green thumb) and being the farmer he always dreamed of being. Nick will be dearly missed and always remembered as his legacy continues on.

Memorials may be directed to the family or La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Chicago. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.