Obituary of Nicholas P. Verleni

Nicholas P. Verleni, 88, of 19 Chautauqua Avenue, died Sunday July 19, 2020, in Absolut of Westfield. A native of Jamestown, he was born September 17, 1931, a son of the late Perickles and Venetria Stogionedis Verleni. He was a 1949 graduate of Jamestown High School where he participated in football, basketball and track, even setting some records during his junior high school years. Nick began his working career as early as high school where he would fashion bowties and sell them to earn money. He worked for his brother at Van's Texas Hots, catered several weddings and parties, worked many construction jobs, was district manager for The Outdoor Store and lastly for his son at Van's Floor Maintenance. Prior to its closing Nick was employed as manager of Lemon Rentals. He was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where was he was an altar server for liturgical services, weddings, baptisms and funerals. He was always considered an honorary member of the Ladies Erene Society and helped with their fundraisers. He was known as the "Baklava Man," having baked baklava for many years for the Yassou Festival. In addition he took special orders for baklava and used the proceeds to purchase several major appliances and other items for the church. His other memberships include Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Vikings Lodge and the Moose Lodge. He will always be remembered for his love of family and his ability to make time for everyone. Surviving are his wife Helen Linamen Verleni, whom he married March 20, 1982; thirteen children Lucinda Conley of Tucson, AZ, Nick (Diane) Verleni of Cassadaga, NY, Nicolette Verleni McCandless of Jamestown, Van (Yolanda) Verleni of Jamestown, Jackie Porsley of Buffalo, Roberta Egan of Jamestown, Patricia Trueblood of Andrew, NC, Denise (Lonnie) Kriebel, Jacquelyn Scott and Leslie (Mike) Rankin all of Pennsylvania, Barry (Lisa) Francisco of Albany, NY and Mike (Linda) Fransisco of North Carolina; 26 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son Timothy Egan; three brothers Vangel, Gust and Dr. Thomas Verleni and a sister Agnes Verleni Spiro. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic a private service will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church with only family in attendance. The service may be viewed online at 11:30 am Thursday July 23, 2020 on the church's website stnicholasjamestown.org. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to St. Nickolas Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 264 Jamestown, NY 14701, St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfinerahome.com.