Nick Anthony Comande

Nick Anthony Comande passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 1, 1925, in Racine, where he lived his entire life and attended Horlick High School. While working for Modine Manufacturing, he met his wife, Isabelle Draeger, and they were married on July 16, 1949.

He was employed with Modine Mfg. for 22 years and for 27 years as the President of Shoreline Manor, a home dedicated to providing sheltered care to those with mental illnesses. He retired in 2001.

He was very active in civic affairs, including serving as home secretary for Congressman Gerald T. Flynn and as a longtime friend and supporter of U.S. Representative Paul Ryan. He worked on the campaigns of President John F. Kennedy, presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey, Senator Gaylord Nelson and Representative Les Aspin. He was also an avid supporter of various local politicians, including County Executives Dennis Kornwolf, William McReynolds and Jim Ladwig and Sheriff Bob Rohner. He was actively involved in Sacred Heart Church, Roma Lodge, the Wednesday Optimist Club, the Italian Community Center of Milwaukee, and the Democratic Party.

Nick is survived by his wife, Isabelle Comande; four children, Suzanne (Gary) Campbell of Racine, Patricia (Thomas) Isaacson of Racine, Nicholas (Lisa) Comande of Racine, Elizabeth (Randal) Marvin of Franksville; and a brother-in-law, Dominic LoPiccolo of Elkhorn. He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren, Edward (Yolanda) Campbell of Bellflower, Calif., Andrew (Holly) Isaacson of Eden Prairie, Minn., Benjamin (Jenelle) Isaacson of Kenosha, Amanda Marvin of Racine, Anthony Marvin of Decatur, Ga., and Rachel Comande of Racine; and five great-grandchildren, Ella, Lily and Kellan Isaacson of Eden Prairie, Minn.; Eliana Isaacson of Kenosha; and Patrick Michel of Bellflower, Calif. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances (Fabiano) Comande, six siblings, Sarah Comande, Josephine (Joseph) LoPiccolo, Rose (Walter) Kozich, Augustus (Lee) Comande, Anna (James) Marino, Victoria LoPiccolo; and two nephews, David and James Marino.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at the church Monday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Diabetes Association or to St. Catherine’s High School.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to those who joined us in providing loving and compassionate care for Nick:  Kinzie Manzurkiewicz, Tom Cramer, Dr. David Zablotney and the doctors and staff at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, the staff at Ridgewood Care Center and Allay Hospice.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888