Caterina “Nanni” Nesci, 101, died on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at the Meriden Center. Caterina was born in San Giovanni DiGerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy on October 20, 1915. Caterina moved to Meriden in 1957 and called Meriden home ever since. Caterina was very fond of her adopted Silver City and would often encourage friends and relatives from Italy to visit. Caterina was proud to be a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, homemaker, and cook. Caterina was most happy when she was cooking for family and friends. Caterina quickly became a surrogate grandmother to many neighborhood children who loved to eat her fresh homemade bread. Caterina always had a kind heart and could never turn away a hungry child or person in need. Caterina will always be remembered chatting with her neighbors discussing tomatoes and how they grew best in direct sunlight. Caterina loved her family and was instrumental in raising her grandchildren. Caterina always offered a kind word and would routinely compliment someone to put a smile on their face. Caterina was deeply patriotic and loved the United States of America. She often stated that George Washington was her favorite President. Caterina is survived by the love of her life, her son, John “Giova” Nesci, of Meriden; grandson retired Lt. Sal Nesci, of the Meriden Police Department and his wife Diane Nesci of Madison; grandson Detective Sergeant Robert Nesci, of the Meriden Police Department and his wife Giuseppina Nesci of Milford; granddaughter, Catherine O’Neil and her husband Michael O’Neil of Madison; grandsons, Sebastian Nesci, Dominic Nesci, and Rocco Nesci of Madison; grandson, Santino Nesci of Milford and granddaughter, Skylar Massaro of Milford; nephew Saverio Nesci and his wife Elvira Nesci of Meriden. Caterina is predeceased by her husband Dominic “Dicky” Nesci and her granddaughter Loredana “Lo” Nesci. Caterina will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. The Nesci Family welcomes Caterina’s friends, and the community to join in a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Dec 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Ave., Meriden. Calling hours will be prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec 9th at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden. Entombment will take place in All Saints Mausoleum in North Haven.