Nello Modesto, 105

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

On Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at the remarkable and venerable age of 105 years, on the occasion of his daughter Trudy’s birthday, our beloved Nello Modesto left this home on earth to be reunited with his God and his family in heaven.

Nello was born in Coniston, Ontario, on June 15, 1920, to Giuseppe and Felicita (Galasso) Modesto. He spent two of his very early years living in northern Italy, after which the family settled in Coniston. From his parents, he developed a pride in his Italian heritage, and a deep and life-lasting faith. His devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary, was strong, right up until the day he died. He also inherited from his mother, a talent for, and love of gardening, and he grew beautiful vegetable and flower gardens wherever he was living. This passion was passed on to his daughter JoAnne.

As a young boy in Coniston, he enjoyed and excelled in many sports activities, including hockey, football and tennis, and during those years, he cultivated his lifelong love of picking blueberries. He would go picking with his brother Mario whenever he came up to his cottage near Sudbury, and he picked every summer in Sandpoint, with his daughter JoAnne, even in his 104th year!

In 1946, Nello graduated with a degree in metallurgical engineering from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. His career in the mining industry spanned 37 years, the first 10 with INCO in the Sudbury district. In 1956 he joined Rio Algom Mining in Elliot Lake where he worked at LacNor, Nordic and Quirke mines while living in the townsites and building his ever-expanding gardens. It was here in Elliot Lake that Nello spent many fun-filled and adventurous times skidooing and ice fishing with his son Ryan. It was also during these years that Nello passed on to his children his love of tennis and skiing.

Nello was transferred to the Mi Vida Mine near Moab, Utah, in 1971 where he retired in 1983. The Modesto family kept close to their Canadian roots by spending time during the summers at their cottage on Tyson Lake, near Killarney, Ontario. One of Nello’s great pleasures later in life was his participation in the Green Valley, Ariz., hiking club which he enjoyed into his late 80s.

In May of 1949, Nello married the love of his life, Rita Conlon, (also known as Connie) and they lived 72 beautiful years together until her passing in April of 2021. Nello was a husband like none other, loving, caring for and cherishing Connie all the days of their lives together. They raised a beautiful and loving family — Trudy, predeceased in 2017, Ryan and JoAnne. All three children had a remarkable relationship with their dad, and remain a true credit to his life of love, faith, patience, dedication, steadfast determination and resourcefulness. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren also got to know, love and enjoy their “Papa” and were blessed to be able to benefit from his wisdom and tenderness.

For thirteen years, Nello shared special bonds with the caregivers and staff at Luther Park Assisted Living. He made a lasting impact on the hearts of those workers, just as they did on him. He and his family were always grateful for the kindness, patience and loving care he received while living there.

Nello was the last member of his family, and was predeceased by his parents; brothers and sisters, Pia Pezzetta (Peter), Santina Elmatti (Andrew), Basilio (Peggy), Ermo (Joan), Erminio (Evelyn), Spema Johnson (Bill), Walter, Mario (Rose) and Walter (Betty). He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Bernard (Theresa) and Ken Conlon.  

He is survived by his son, Ryan Modesto, (Carol) of Green Valley, Ariz.; his daughter, JoAnne Farmin, (Dan) of Sandpoint, Idaho; as well as by his four precious grandchildren, Kelly Farmin, (Sean Mirus), Ryan Farmin, (Sabrina), Sarah Vicuña, (Carlos), and Melissa Modesto. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, twins Palmer and Sawyer Farmin, and Luna and Liliana Vicuña. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister-in-law, Claire Conlon (Ken, predeceased), and his beloved cousin, Sharon Oliver, both of Sudbury, as well as numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews from the Modesto, Conlon and Galasso families, and dear friends in Canada, the U.S. and Italy.

The Rosary will be prayed at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sandpoint, Idaho. It will be followed at 3 p.m. with a Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Rob Cook. He will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Garson, Ontario.

Memorial donations may be made to L’Arche Sudbury Inc., 1173 Rideau Ave., Sudbury Ontario. L’Arche is a worldwide organization with community homes for those living with and without disabilities. It is there, at Bethany House, where Nello and Connie’s daughter, Trudy, lived and received outstanding care, love and support for several years. It will always hold a special place of love and gratitude in the hearts of the Modesto family.

Lakeview Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements. Please visit Nello’s online memorial page at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guestbook.