ERNEST JAMES PELLO

Ernest James Pello, Sr passed away peacefully on March 9, 2017. He was 81. Ernie was born on August 16, 1935 at the family home on Long St. in Nevada City to Nichola M. Pello and Rose Mary (Gregori) Pello. Raised in a happy, loving environment, with five brothers and three sisters, life was full. Ernie attended Nevada City High School. After graduation in 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, spending most of the next three years in Korea. After coming home, he was employed by Pacific Telephone Co. from 1960 to 1994, sometimes in the Truckee/Tahoe area. Ernie was very active in sports, mostly football and baseball – baseball being his favorite. In 1946 he was 'bat boy' for the Athletics. He was on the Nevada City High School Junior Varsity and Varsity teams and played for numerous teams; including the Nuggets, the Miners, the Lumberjacks and the Yellow Jackets. He also coached little league. Ernie was an excellent athlete and in later years he joined the Gold Country Senior Softball Assoc. and had the time of his life. Ernie was a volunteer for the Nevada City Fire Dept. for 15 years, and served as Fire Chief. He was elected to the city council in 1972 and remained until 1981. He served as Vice Mayor and Mayor of Nevada City for two years. He also was a volunteer for St. Canice Cemetery. He loved family, friends, baseball, America, John Wayne and dogs. Leaving behind Shiloh who really was a best friend. He was blessed with an amazing wit and sense of humor that lightened up everyone. Ernie is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Louise Pello; daughter Laura (Ben White) Pello of Grass Valley; Son Ernest (LeAng) Pello of Sebastopol; Stepchildren Antony Hampton or Colorado, Teresa (Jimi) Graham of Cameron Park and Tim Hampton of Sacramento; two grandchildren, 10 step-children and one great grandchild; brother Nick Pello of Nevada City; Sisters Rose Mary Hill of Sierra City and Margaret Forbes of Nevada City; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Nickola and Rosemary (Gregori) Pello; sister Nancy Pello; brothers George, Dan, Melo, and Sam Pello; and nephews Mike Pello and Roby Pello. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ernie's family will always be grateful for the kindness shown him by his friends; especially Rick Cartoscelli; Dr. Byron Lake; and Don Wirta. In honor of the deceased and respect for his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please send donations to support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate in memory of Ernie Pello.

ERNEST JAMES PELLO

August 16, 1935 - March 9, 2017