Nick Sergi

Nick Sergi, 82, of Asheville, NC and Boca Raton, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the VA-CLC Inpatient Rehab in Asheville, NC, after a short period of declining health and mobility due to complications from amyloid angiopathy. Nick was born in Trieste, Italy on February 17, 1941, the son of the late Tomaso and Maria Sergi. He was preceded in death by his brother John Sergi of Phoenix, AZ and his sister Maria Peloso of Chicago, IL.

As a result of the devastation and constant partitioning of his home territory between Italy and Yugoslavia following WWII, his family was forced into a refugee camp for three years, as Churchill declared the iron curtain to extend from the Baltic Sea in Poland to the Adriatic Sea in Italy. In 1956 at the age of 15, Nick immigrated with his family to Chicago, IL, speaking no English, and with little more than could fit in one small suitcase. Upon obtaining US Citizenship and having completed his high school education in Chicago, Nick was drafted into the US Army and served 4 years in combat in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he settled on the West Coast, where he began a long and successful career in food and hospitality services, from Fisherman’s Wharf to Las Vegas, NV. Upon retirement, he and his wife managed multiple residential investment properties in California, Italy, Florida and North Carolina and enjoyed their annual cycles of travel to visit family and friends, both domestically and internationally.

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Terri Lee Sergi; his sister and brother-in-law, Lucy & Lino Iscra of Chicago, IL and a number of beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members in both the U.S. and Italy.

Nick was a loyal and devoted husband and companion. Despite the many challenges he faced early in life, and more recently the challenges of declining health and mobility, Nick was a kind, congenial and generous soul, with an inquisitive spirit and zest for life. He was beloved by friends and strangers alike for his quick wit and keen sense of humor, and he will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank the medical professionals, staff and fellow vets at the VA Medical Center of Asheville for their long-term support and the outstanding care Nick received, especially over these last few months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), The Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org), Veterans Restoration Quarters-Asheville (ABCCM.org), or the charity of one’s choice.

At Nick’s request, there will be no formal service of remembrance, but there will be informal celebrations with family and friends throughout the year, as Terri travels to spread Nick’s ashes among all the people and places he held dear.

Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Creation Services is assisting the family and the online memorial is available at ashevilleareaalternative.com.

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