Frank Thomas Nissi Jr., 71, lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away Friday, March 20, at Lahey Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Nissi was a native of Haverhill, born Aug. 14, 1943, son of the late Frank Thomas Nissi and Mary (Turner) Nissi. He was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1961, where he was a celebrated football star. Nissi attended Holy Cross on a full athletic scholarship, where he led the Crusaders “with a sixth sense of football” and was remembered as “one of the finest linebackers and finest men ever to don a purple uniform.”
He spent most of his career as an advertising salesman for the Haverhill Gazette.
He was a doting husband and devoted father. He never missed his daughters’ sporting events and enjoyed coaching his girls, whether officially or from the sidelines. He loved golfing with his wife and friends and spending time at the beach with his family. An avid golfer, swimmer and cyclist, Nissi spent as much time outdoors as possible.
Nissi was profoundly empathetic and generous, a devout Catholic committed to helping the less fortunate. He was known to introduce himself to people on the street, give money to those in need or simply bring diapers to the women’s shelter.
His surviving family includes his wife of 41 years, Patricia J. (Moran) Nissi; cherished daughters, Julie Nissi and Maria Nissi Haun and husband Joseph; grandson, Joey Haun; siblings, Joanne Fenlon and husband Edward of Bradford, Paul Nissi and wife Roberta of Hilton Head, S.C. He will also be deeply missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was the brother of the late Carla Nissi Wrenn.
Calling hours will be Wednesday in the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. His Funeral will be Thursday morning, March 26, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main St., Bradford at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, North Broadway, Haverhill. Courtesy transportation to the visiting hours will be provided on request by calling Patrick Driscoll at (978) 374-0000.