Obituary of Nicholas Neila

NEILA, Nicholas

June 14, 1940 - May 13, 2026

Loving husband to Pamela Cook (nee Pittenger). Cherished father to Martin Joseph Neila and Christiana Neila. Beloved stepfather to Julie Cook. Reunited with his parents Jenny Hunchak (nee Kolod) and Nick Neila, and stepfather Peter Hunchak. Incredible grandfather to Adam Neila, Jack Neila, and Nick Neila. Adoring great-grandfather to Nicholas Neila, and Kaleb Neila. He will be deeply missed by extended family.

Nick Neila was a man of many friends and many talents.

Early in his life, Nick was a musician. As a child, he played the accordion for nickels at his grandparents’ store in Toronto each summer, and later as a teenager played accordion in the Teenaires and the High Five jazz quintet. In adulthood, he cut a dashing figure as the vibraphonist in the Rocco Ciccone band, a popular choice for wedding receptions in the Windsor area, often playing to large audiences.

Gifted with keen intelligence and a love of precision, he worked as a draughtsman in California and then at Giffels in Michigan for fifteen years. Later he began a twenty-five year career with Ford of Canada as a mechanical engineer at the Essex Engine Plant. He was a proud Ford man to the end.

Nick was a father and grandfather. His first marriage was not fated to last, but brought his beloved children, Martin and Christiana, into the world. He later married Pamela Cook (née Pittenger), becoming a warm and supportive step-father to Pamela’s daughter, Julie Cook. Nick and Pamela found in each other their one great love. Pamela sadly predeceased Nick in 2022, and his children take comfort in knowing they are together again.

Nick was also an avid sailor, crewing and racing with his friends on the sail boat Zapped. Later, he commanded his own sail boat, Alien, and was a member of the Windsor Yacht Club with wife Pamela for many years.

Few people knew that Nick was an artist. His visually striking steel wall sculptures reflected his creativity and close attention to detail.

Our father’s deadpan one-liners, well-told stories, and silly songs were legendary, bringing a welcome levity to any situation. He loved to tease the people he loved.

Nick moved through life with class and was always a gentleman and a sharp dresser. He faced his final illness with bravery and stoicism. Cherished by those who knew him, he will be greatly missed.

Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (CENTRAL) 1700 Tecumseh Rd E. 519-253-7234. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com