Nunzio George Pollina

Nunzio George "Nino" Pollina, 72, passed away quietly, August 10, 2008 at his home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi after an extended illness. He was a resident of Ocean Springs for 44 years. Nino was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Salvatore Pollina and Rosina Pagano Pollina. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1956 and Florida Southern College in 1960. Upon graduation worked in Dalton, Georgia, served in the United States Army National Guard and married Jonne C. Gay of Ocean Springs. Nino and Jonne returned to settle in Ocean Springs where he and his father-in-law, J.C. "Champ" Gay successfully operated Champion Hardware, a long-time fixture of downtown Ocean Springs. Thereafter, Nino worked with Ferson Optics until his retirement. An avid football fan, Nino's enthusiasm for the New Orleans Saints was tested weekly each season, wherein his stubborn optimism was dampened and doggedly re-ignited the following season. He enjoyed spectacular sunsets from his home overlooking Fort Bayou, fishing the Mississippi Sound, red wine and grilling over a charcoal fire. His love of life was exceeded only by his love for his wife, children and grandchildren. For his children, there was neither a sacrifice too great nor a worry too small. Nino's family was the center of his world. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jonne C. Pollina; three daughters, Rose P. Sliman (George), J. Tucker Lyons all of Ocean Springs, MS and Kate P. Hardy of Ligonier, PA; two sons, John C. Pollina (Tilisa) and Nunzio G. "Nick" Pollina, Jr. (Sharon) all of Ocean Springs and eight grandchildren, Joshua Lyons (Johnstown, PA), Carson Hardy (Louisville, KY), Megan Lyons, Jared Sliman, Jacob Sliman, Sam Pollina, Nunzio "Trey" Pollina, III and Paris Pollina all of Ocean Springs, MS. Nino was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Rose Pollina and his sole sibling, Charles Pollina. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Light, 2012, Highway 90, Gautier, MS, 39553.