Nicholas "Nick" Patella, Sr.

Early Sunday morning, June 12, 2022, Nicholas Paul “Nick” Patella Sr., 84, peacefully passed away at his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Nick was with his loving wife of over 60 years, Jenny, and had spent the day prior surrounded by his devoted family.

Nick Patella was born on October 16, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York to James and Nannette Patella. He graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia and then went on to complete a B.A. in Mathematics from Wake Forest University in 1960.

From 1956-1960, he played football for Wake Forest and was named All-ACC as well as Honorable Mention All American. He played in the North-South Shrine Game in 1959. He was also featured in Strength & Health Magazine as Man of the Month in 1958. Nick had a lifelong love for all things Wake Forest. In 1960, he was drafted as a first selection by the New York Titans (AFL), now the New York Jets.

After playing professional football, Nick went on to a successful business career in the Triad. His endeavors reached far and wide. He was co-owner and President of WAIR and Z-93 radio stations as well as co-founder and co-owner of Vincenzo’s Italian restaurant. In addition, Nick enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors of several Triad banks and was an early investor in several successful local businesses in existence today. He also helped found the Order Sons of Italy in America in Winston-Salem.

Nick’s pride and joy in life were his wife and family. On December 10, 1961, he married Virginia “Jenny” Seivers. Together, they raised seven sons and one daughter and have fifteen grandchildren. Nick’s passion was cooking for his family and friends. If you ever stopped by on a Sunday, you didn’t leave hungry. Their house at Lake Norman was always filled with family, friends, and laughter. He will be remembered for his passion, drive, commitment, and love for his family.

Nick is survived by his devoted wife, Jenny; his children, Vincent (Lee), Nicholas (Amy), Jo Jo (Glenda), Jody (Tracie), Anthony (Melanie), Maria (Kevin), Michael (Lauren) and Matthew (Courtney); 15 grandchildren that loved their pop, Amanda (Michael), Olivia, Nicholas Paul III, Alexander, Carson, Austin, Archer, Weston (Paige), Madelyn, Walker, Anthony, Natalie, Dominic, Luca, and Evelyn; as well as his siblings, Vincent (Gail), John (Sue), and David (Kelly). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at 335 Springdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104, with Fr. Christopher Gober officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 noon at Legacy Stables and Events, 4151 Thomasville Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27107.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com