David R. Nardella - 47

12/7/1969 - 2/8/2017

Orland Park

David R. Nardella, age 47, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning Feb. 8th in Orland Park. Dave was born and raised in Chicago Heights. He was a 1988 graduate of Bloom High School and 1992 graduate of Western Illinois University College of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. David Nardella served over 24 years as a Special Agent for the U.S. Government. He began his career in November 1992 investigating fraud for the Railroad Retirement Board-Office of Inspector General in Philadelphia. He then transferred to the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security-Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) in November 1996, and returned home to the Chicago Field Office in October 1998. In June 2010, Dave was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge. In this capacity, he supervised and mentored a team of special agents and oversaw day-to-day operations of an investigative program spanning 11 states in the upper Midwest. Dave's distinguished 20-year career with OEE took him across the U.S. and around the world, including stops in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He focused his investigations on violations posing the most significant threats to U.S. national security, such as the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their delivery systems, international terrorism and State sponsorship of terror, and unauthorized dual-use exports for military purposes. He was a certified undercover agent and supported national security investigations worldwide in an undercover capacity. Dave was the recipient of the Gold Medal in 2006, 2010, and 2016 - the highest honor award of the Department of Commerce, presented for extraordinary, noble, or prestigious contributions to the mission. He was also a recipient of the Bronze Medal, the third highest honor award, in 2006 and 2008. Devoted father of Gianna, Dominic and David "DJ" Nardella. Loving son of Faith (Robert) O'Brien and Robert (Patricia) Nardella. Beloved brother of Lori (Tim) Casey. Adventurous Uncle of Nathan and Trevor Casey. Former husband of Jodi nee Pressendo. Dear nephew, cousin, colleague and friend of many. Memorial visitation at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (US Rt. 30, 3 blks E. of Western Ave) Chicago Heights on Wednesday February 15th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Family and friends will meet at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1501 Chicago Rd, Chicago Heights on Thursday morning for a 10:00 AM Memorial Mass. For further information contact (708) 481-9230 or panozzobros.com