Nello J. Contich

Of Monroeville, a resident of Beatty Pointe, age 93 died peacefully and willfully on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Nello was born and raised in Chalfant, the son of Croatian parents John and Diana (Sirotich) Contich.

He was the loving and treasured father of Diana (Dan Beck) Ruhe of Pittsburgh and Julie (Walter) Shample of Seabrook, NH.

He was the doting and cherished grandfather of Savannah (Michael) Uranker, Gabrielle (Leona) Ruhe, Spencer Shample and Nicky Shample and great-grandfather of Remy Uranker.

Nello was a 1950 graduate of Turtle Creek High School, where he was a proud member of both the baseball and basketball teams.  Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War, answering the call of duty with honor. After his discharge, he continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree.
 

Nello crafted a distinguished career in housing management, where his leadership and professionalism earned the respect of colleagues and those he served. He first became employed with the Pittsburgh Housing Authority and later served as the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Greenwich, Connecticut. He eventually returned to the Pittsburgh Housing Authority and later joined Arbors Management, from which he retired. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to treat people with fairness and respect. He understood the importance of providing safe and stable housing, and he devoted himself to that responsibility with great care.

Although he entered his retired years, Nello hardly retired from life. He became an associate with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, where his presence and experience were deeply appreciated. He was also proud to be an original starter at Grand View Golf Club when it opened in 1996, a role that reflected both his love of the game and his enjoyment of being part of something meaningful from the beginning. In addition, Nello became one of the oldest Big Brothers in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program in Pittsburgh, serving in that capacity for many years. His willingness to guide and encourage young people was a testament to his generous heart and his belief in the value of mentorship.

Nello was also an ardent sports fan, especially when it came to his beloved Pittsburgh teams and the University of Pittsburgh. Sports were a lifelong source of enjoyment for him, even though he was a long-term suffering Pirate fan. In the 1960s, he became the first and only coach of the St. Maurice CYO Softball Team, where he served not just as a coach but as a mentor to several of his players.

Nello J. Contich leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength. He will be remembered with affection and respect by all who knew him, especially his family, those he mentored, and his pals, “Nello’s Fellows”.

Friends are welcome on Sunday from 2-5pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Joseph the Worker Church (formerly St. Maurice) on Monday at 10 a.m.

Nello will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.