Nicholas Bernard Menist

Nicholas Bernard Menist, 79, of Estero Florida, formerly of Meadville, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

Nick was born on July 16, 1940 in the Bronx, New York City to David and Antoinette (Lombardi) Menist who preceded him in death.   He graduated from Cardinal Hayes Catholic High School.   In his youth, Nick loved playing stickball in the streets as well as organized baseball; he played on numerous teams with his favorite position being Catcher.  Nick loved the Brooklyn Dodgers and attended many games at Ebbets field.  Nick aspired to be an airline pilot and enjoyed taking flying lessons; however, he could not pursue that career due to his vision not being 20/20.  Instead with his love of music and the entertainment industry, Nick started his career in the Radio Broadcasting field after taking time to travel Europe.

In his late teens and early 20s, Nick danced on American Bandstand and then worked alongside “Murray the K” at WINS radio station in New York City.   Nick left New York City and worked at various radio stations before settling down in Meadville, PA.  He met his future wife, Lucy, in Meadville and would affectionately refer to her as “the beautiful blonde” while spinning records and entertaining audiences on air and at in-person media events throughout the community.  Nick and Lucy were married on July 8, 1967 and they both built their lives around their two children; always keeping Family first.

Nick was patriotic and served his country in the Army Reserves for 6 years.

Nick served as News Director for WMGW/WZPR radio stations for a number of years while also covering the Crawford County news scene as a cameraman and gathering news stories for WICU TV in Erie, PA.   Nick was professionally known as “Nick Bernard” on the air and while serving as the Master of Ceremonies at community events such as the annual Miss Crawford County Scholarship Pageant and the Halloween Parade.

Nick also enjoyed working for the Meadville Tribune and in post-retirement he decided to obtain a commercial driver’s license to join Anderson Coach & Travel.  With his love of driving and sightseeing, Nick embarked on adventures all over the East coast commanding a 56 passenger full size coach bus.   Amazingly, handling the large tour bus throughout many trips to New York City through all the tunnels and city parking with ease!

In Nick’s later years he loved to vacation in the Naples/Fort Myers area of Florida and recently enjoyed spending year-round fun at the area beaches and driving ranges.  Nick loved being outdoors in the sun and warmth -- “hitting” golf balls, riding his bike, watching baseball and his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending his time making wonderful memories with his family.  His two grandsons brought him absolute joy.

Survivors include:  his wife of 52 years, Lucy; a daughter, Tina (Paul) Borden; a son, Nick (Tiffany) Menist; two grandchildren, Paul Borden and Nalen Menist; a cousin, Lisa Hernandez who was raised with Nick like a sister; an aunt, Silvia Lombardi; a sister-in-law, Bonnie (Ken) Kuhn; a brother-in-law, Russell (Betty) Prussia; a beloved pet dog, Chickie and many close relatives.

Calling hours will be Saturday, August 31st from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

The funeral service will follow Saturday, August 31st at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Richard J. Allen, Pastor of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, www.moffitt.org/give

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net