Nick P Ardillo

NICK ARDILLO, SR. died peacefully on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at age 100. He was a 60-year resident of Mayfair and a 15-year member and chairman of the Homewood Board of Education after retiring as an assistant superintendent of Birmingham city schools. Principal of Ramsay High School and, earlier, of North Birmingham Elementary School, he served as assistant football coach at Ramsay under Thompson "Mutt" Reynolds when the Rams won the state championship in 1953. He also coached football at Phillips and Gadsden high schools, served as president of the Birmingham Football Officials Association and was currently the oldest living member of the Auburn University football team.

Mr. Ardillo was born February 19, 1918, on a farm outside Amite, Louisiana, and was the last surviving child of thirteen born to Stefano (Steve) and Josephine LaPinta Ardillo, who immigrated from Sicily as teenagers. He played football in high school and won a scholarship to Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summit, where in 1990 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. A scout from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute invited him to come to Auburn for a tryout. He hitchhiked there and became the starting right guard of "Meagher's Marauders" during the 1939-40 and 1940-41 seasons.

Before graduation in 1942 and service in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, he eloped with Kernie Hawkins, a fellow Auburn student and the love of his life for 78 years. He is survived by her and their two children, Colonel Nick Ardillo, Jr., USAF Ret., (Mary Maude Denton) of Columbus, MS, and Laura Ardillo (Donald B.) Estes of Hoover; four grandchildren--Nick Scott Ardillo of Dallas, Amy Ardillo Daniells of Decatur, TX, James B. (Sharon) Bullock, and Elizabeth Bullock (Charles) Dellaccio of Vestavia Hills; and eight great-grandchildren-- Haley, Charles and Hannah Dellaccio, Katelyn and Cole Daniells, Burch and Laura Grace Bullock, and Nathan Ardillo.

Fondly remembered by the math students he taught and the football players he coached, Mr. Ardillo credited his long life to hard work and a healthy lifestyle. A survivor of lymphoma in 1975, "Coach" was also known for his indomitable spirit.

His family wishes to thank faithful caregivers Jeanette Turpin and Linda O'Neal, et al., as well as the Highlands staff at The Oaks on Parkwood.

A long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, Mr. Ardillo's funeral will be directed by and held at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, on Saturday, April 21, at 2:00 pm, with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Following interment in Elmwood Cemetery, there will be tea served in the small dining room at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1430 Oxmoor Road, at 4:00p.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.