Emma L. Nelli

Emma L. Nelli, 88, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Born in Amsterdam on August 20, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lucy Zumbolo. A lifelong resident of the city’s southside, Emma graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School in 1955. She worked for more than 25 years as a clerical typist for the Greater Amsterdam School District, retiring in 2001.

Emma married Al Nelli on October 18, 1959; he predeceased her in September 2025. A longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, she was an active member of the Christian Women’s Society. She found great pleasure in playing bocce on the southside, bowling in women’s leagues for many years, visiting the Saratoga Casino with family and friends, and cheering faithfully for the New York Yankees. Above all, Emma cherished cooking holiday and Sunday family dinners and spending time with her grandchildren, moments that brought her profound joy.

She was predeceased by her sister, Priscilla Mongillo, and her brothers, Marco Zumbolo and Thomas Zumbolo.

Emma is survived by her beloved daughters, Jeannine (Frank) Maresca and Tina Ketchell; cherished grandchildren, Micky Ketchell (Nicole) and Lindsey (Jake) Shave; her brother-in-law, Pete Nelli; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.