Distler - Anna “Nina”, 89, an East Meadow resident for more than 60 years, died peacefully on December 11, 2015 in Fort Myers, Fl. She was born June 8, 1926 in Naples, Italy to Luigi and Fortuna Longobardi, and was one of 8 brothers and sisters. During World War II, Anna, a spirited 18 year old, happened to catch the eye of a young American GI named, Robert E. (Bob) Distler, a US Army sergeant stationed in Naples. Their happenstance meeting ignited what would become a more than 60 year love story. In 1946, she journeyed across the sea to America with Bob as a newly wed war bride. The couple eventually settled in East Meadow, where she learned to speak English and became a proud American citizen. Nina, ever determined and unwavering in pursuing any goal, oversaw the conversion of their modest cape cod into a two story colonial complete with a large family room and finished basement, a home well equipped to entertain family and friends, something she took great pride in. Nina was happy and content raising her family and helping her husband and youngest son build their successful roofing business. In 1958, she returned to Naples with her three young children, sharing a summer with her Neapolitan relatives and giving her children the experience of a lifetime. As the years unfolded, Nina remained active in the community and was involved in many charitable endeavors. An expert seamstress by trade, she could design and sew just about anything including her daughter’s wedding gown and she taught the skill to many grateful students. Nina’s culinary talents where greatly appreciated by both family and friends. Nina loved living on Long Island and especially enjoyed visiting Montauk. Having grown up alongside the Bay of Naples, Nina always had a love of the seaside and the tranquility it provided. She was pre-deceased by her husband and is survived by her children, Susan Bicknese (Walter) of Cape Coral, FL; Gary (Kathleen) Distler of Lithia, FL; Robert (Lynda) Distler of Lindenhurst; grandchildren Jennifer (Kurt) Kamrad of Pembroke Pines, FL; Deb Bicknese of Brooklyn; Jeff Distler of Waldwick, NJ, and Max and Zachary Distler of Lithia, FL.; great grandchildren McKayla and Mathias. Nina had many friends on Long Island and in Florida and will always be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a cherished grandmother, an adored great-grandmother and a devoted friend and neighbor. Family will receive friends Friday, 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm, at the Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home: 2515 N. Jerusalem Rd. (Exit 25N SS PKWY) East Meadow, NY. Memorial Service of Ashes will be held Saturday, 10:00 am, at St. Raphael RC Church, East Meadow, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Anna’s name to a charity of your choice. www.osheafuneral.com