Nick Anthony Arello, age 76, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away on February 10, 2024, peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Nick was born in 1947 to Salvatore (Sal Sr.) and Susanna (Agrusa) Arello of Kansas City, Missouri. He was the second of five siblings. He grew up in northeast Kansas City, graduating from Northeast High School and attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg until enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Nick proudly served in the Naval Air on the aircraft carrier the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War where he earned a Bronze Star for his service to his country. He then attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he pursued a career in drafting and architecture.

During his employment as a draftsman, his career plans took a change fueled by his love of innovative food and entertaining guests. Working on the redesign of historic buildings in the City Market area of Kansas City for the proposed River Quay entertainment district, Nick began to consider opening his own restaurant. He secured a building at 418 Delaware in the River Quay where he would offer his famous omelets, sandwiches, and libations. He named his first restaurant Papa Nick's after his grandfather "Papa" Nick Agrusa. After Papa Nick's closed in the River Quay, Nick opened his second restaurant, 21/21 in Gladstone, Missouri. The name signified plans to serve 21 different gourmet hamburgers in a sit-down atmosphere, appealing to the 21 and over age group. Word spread that the owner was Papa Nick from the River Quay, and he altered the name to Papa Nick's 21/21. He took great pleasure seeing people enjoy great food and meeting the many people who gathered there. Before he sold Papa Nick's 21/21 in 1995, he was also a proud owner of several other restaurants and bars in the north Kansas City area. In recent years, Nick operated several businesses and built a commercial business center.

Nick was a member of the American Sons of Columbus and UNICO where he continued the many Italian friendships he made while growing up. Nick was a true people person and enjoyed the many people he met throughout his life. Nick loved time on the lake, traveling, and the many golf trips with friends. Above all, he loved his time with his family.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore Sr. and Susanna Arello, brother Sal Arello Jr., sister-in-law Shirley Arello, nephew Ryan Kruse, and brother-in-law Mike Bryant. He is survived by his wife Karen Arello, daughter Brianne (Brie) Arello, sons Tony Arello and Tommy (Bobby) Arello, grandson Jackson, and sisters Linda Bryant, Diane (Gregg) Kruse, Rose Mary (Gary) Sullivan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional Oncology Department at The University of Kansas Health System, the many medical personnel that took care of him during his rehabilitation, and the great care he received at NorthCare Hospice House.

Services will be held on Monday, February 19, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com