Birth date: Apr 28, 1919 Death date: Feb 26, 2015
"Grandpa Nit" Nit was able to enjoy a celebration of his life last year on his 95th birthday when his Italian family and ‘friends that are family’ gathered to honor him! Born and raised in Tacoma, Nit graduated from Lincoln High Read Obituary
There are far too many memories to share, any family gathering that we had growing up. We would always go visit him and Aunt Dorothy every time we came up from CA. He was always such a sweet man and I absolutely love having him as a part of my family. Love you Uncle Nit.
I met Nit so early in my life that I don’t remember my world without him in it. As little girls, Debbie and I became fast friends and, 60 years later, I truly cherish her and her family.
Nit and Dot were different from my parents. There were as loving and committed – just more fiery and passionate – expressing themselves with an open and honest intensity shown less demonstratively at my house. I envied how Debbie didn’t have to share them with another sibling like I did with my parents. And I loved going to visit the Luppino’s, who opened their home and hearts fully to me.
I remember in particular one eye-opening experience. Nit introduced me to new vocabulary words. At approximately 8 years of age, Debbie invited me to accompany the family on a vacation to California. As she and I rode in the back seat, travelling on a very busy highway at relatively high speed, Nit suddenly realized that he’d missed his intended highway exit. A flood of words came rushing from his mouth; words that I best not repeat now, but they will forever be engraved in my memory banks. Let’s just say, I had a real education that day (-:
Of course, Nit had his soft side, too. You would see it expressed by the way he loved his great-granddaughters. And he always greeted me when I visited in a warm and welcoming way. Right up to the end of his life he would hug me and graciously say: “Jen, you haven’t changed a bit. You’re just as young as always.” Following up with more important words: “I’m so happy that you and Debbie have remained friends throughout the years.”
I would banter: “It’s you who haven’t changed, Nit. You should write a book and share with all of us your secrets.” He’d just smile and laugh.
It’s Nit’s smile that I will hold close and reflect upon, along with so many years’ worth of memories….. until we meet again.
With love and gratitude, Jen
Nit and dot were like a second Mom and Dad to me. they helped raise me and included me in so many of their family gatherings! Nit was such a lively guy both when he was mad and very italian and when he was relazed happy and having a great time. I have loved being part of the family of the Luppinos and was blessed by Nit and Dot's generous inclusion of me in so many of their activities. Nit showed his love for his family and for God when he willinglly provided such excellent care for Dot for those 9 years. I will miss him so much, but I am so very happy for him that he is free from pain and depression and reunited with Dot and Jesus in heaven, where there is no more tears, or pain or suffering We were fortunate to have had such a long time with Nit here on earth .Debbie is a saiint in the manner in which she has taken care of both of her parents for these many years, shouldering the burden of an only child, alongside her wonderful husband Bill,, Derek and Bekah and Bret, all of whom helped her and loved her parents well. The Luppino/Smith family is a blessing to all of us who are fortunate to call them friends. what a wonderfu llegacy Nit and Dot have left.
Reunited in Heaven one day.
Steve and Nancy Lazenby Blaser, Britta and Alexandra
I never saw Nit that I wasn't greeted with a smile and a bit of light repartee. I haven't been able to see him in the recent past, but my memories of him remind me that life may deal you a difficult blow, but that doesn't mean you have to let it get you down. I am so happy that he was able to spend his last days among his loving family and most especially that he was able to spend time with his beautiful great-grandaughters. Rest in Peace, Nit.
Love Thurma
