Anthony Nestico (1963-2018)

Anthony J. “Tony” Nestico, 55, of Conewago Township, Dauphin County, formerly of Hershey, died Thanksgiving Day, November 22, at home, surrounded by his family. 

Tony is survived by his wife of 31 years, Deborah S. (Bodenhorn) Nestico, and his three children:  Kara A. Nestico, of Hershey; Angela M. Dietz (wife of Frederick), of West Hanover Township, and Joseph M. Nestico, of Conewago Township.  He was known affectionately to his children as “Toe,” “Frodo,” and “Superman.” His mother, Patricia A. Nestico, and four sisters also survive: Ann M. Drobnock; Theresa Y. Polly; Kathleen M. Giovanniello; and Patricia E. Kain.  Many nieces and one nephew also survive.

Tony was the son of the late Joseph F. Nestico and Patricia (Lavelle) Nestico currently of Hershey.  He was born May 31, 1963 at the former Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, and was raised in Hershey.  He attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, Hershey Junior High School, and graduated from Hershey High School in 1981.  He graduated from Shippensburg University in 1985.  He married Deborah S. Bodenhorn in 1987, and graduated from the Vermont Law School, magna cum laude, in 1990.
Tony practiced law for 28 years.  He worked for large practices in their Harrisburg offices until 1996 when he established his own practice in Hershey.  He formed Nestico Druby, P.C. with Richard Druby in 1999.  The firm continues to operate today in Hershey.  Tony was hard working and devoted to serving his clients.  He represented many local individuals, businesses, and government entities.  He was known as a problem solver, guiding clients through many different types of legal issues.  He often represented individuals free of charge, simply because they needed help.  He had a wickedly funny sense of humor, and was incredibly quick witted, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. 

Despite his considerable academic and professional success, his family was his greatest joy.  His free time was spent with his wife and children.  He was a long-time Hershey Bears season ticket holder, and spent many evenings with his family watching the Bears.  He enjoyed regular trips with his family to South Bend, Indiana, to watch Notre Dame football, and to Vermont, a place Tony and his entire family truly loved.

Few people knew that Tony was an accomplished student of traditional Okinawan karate, practicing daily for over 30 years, until he was struck with an aggressive autoimmune disorder called polymyositis, which devastated him physically.  He endured multiple major surgeries as a result of the disease, and spent nearly 7 months in the hospital in his early 50’s.  His wife and children were by his side throughout the ordeal, helping every step along the way, including when he had to learn how to walk again.  He spent many hours as an outpatient at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center in addition to the Hershey Medical Center, fighting the myositis.  The disease caused him to take a nearly 3 year leave of absence from his practice.  Rich Druby and the staff at Nestico Druby, P.C., performed above and beyond the call in order to service Tony’s clients and cases during that time.  The disease plagued him for the rest of his life.

Viewing will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, November 26th in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hershey. He will be cremated thereafter. Tony had been an active member of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and served as a member of and two years as president of the St. Joan of Arc School Board.  A Memorial Mass will be held in his church at 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 27th.  

​In lieu of flowers, the family simply asks that you remember Tony in your prayers or make a monetary contribution to John Hopkins University, C/O John Hopkins Myositis Center, Tower Suite 358, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224.