The Nest co-owner welcomed diners at Jeannette restaurant with friendly nature, flair for decor

Toni Nestico was a familiar, friendly face at The Nest Restaurant in Jeannette, where she served seafood dishes to customers for close to 30 years and was co-owner of the establishment, with her husband.

“People loved her,” said her daughter, Alana, who used to wait tables at the restaurant along with her mother. “She was very outgoing and really inclusive and accepting of everybody. She had a way of connecting with people even if she’d just met them.”

Toni Joann Nestico, 57, of Jeannette, died Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at home, after battling cancer for more than three years.

Born June 16, 1963, in Jeannette, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Balsamo) Iandiorio.

Mrs. Nestico was a member of Ascension Church in Jeannette. Prior to her roles at The Nest, she worked in a men’s apparel store and as a hair dresser.

She loved growing flowers and decorating, passions she pursued at home and at the restaurant.

Her daughter noted, “She knew what every flower was and what it needed,” including tall spikes of purple salvia that greeted guests. “They always look spectacular. She beautified everything.”

Her home decor was always in sync with the seasons.

“She would decorate for any holiday, and she loved decorating for Christmas,” said her daughter. “We probably had six Christmas trees in different rooms.”

Mrs. Nestico was known for dressing stylishly and shared her fashion flair with her family.

“She was the one to give us advice on outfits,” her daughter said. “She was up to date on fashions. I used to go into her closet and borrow things.”

“She taught me how to tie a tie,” her son, Anthony, remembered. “Usually you don’t learn that from your mother.”

Mrs. Nestico didn’t prepare food at The Nest, but the Italian dishes she made for her family were of “restaurant quality,” according to her daughter. Favorites included wedding soup and spaghetti and meatballs.

She also shared her love of equestrian pursuits with her family.

“She would go out on trail rides. Nothing made her happier,” her daughter said. “I grew up riding horses, and she took me to every horse show.”

Mrs. Nestico cherished the family’s dogs, including her frequent companion, yellow Labrador retriever Hattie.

“She would take her out on trails and let her swim in lakes, doing things outside with her,” said her daughter.

As she underwent treatment for aggressive cancer, Mrs. Nestico stopped waiting tables about two years ago. But, her daughter said, “Until the last three or four months, she lived life normally. She fought tremendously.”

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Nestico was preceded in death by a brother.

Survivors include her husband, Lanny; children Alana Nestico and Anthony Nestico, both of Jeannette; Lanny Nestico and wife, Amy, of Greensburg; Kelly Nestico and fiance, Fran, of Greensburg; Michael Nestico and wife, Nicole, of Jeannette; seven grandchildren; two sisters; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Mason-Gelder Funeral Home, 201 N. First St., Jeannette. In accordance with health guidelines, all are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

A private Mass will be held at Ascension Church. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC, c/o Libby Shumaker or https://donation.upmc.com/donation/ designated for the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Annual Fund.