Zendel "Neli" Imeri will be remembered

Zendel "Neli" Imeri, age 36, the co-owner of  Neli's Family Restaurant in South Beloit, will be deeply missed in the community. Hundreds have expressed condolences on Facebook.

Neli's Family Restaurant has been called a "hidden gem in town," at 1055 Gardner St, South Beloit, IL 61080.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 4-8 PM at the Albanian American Islamic Center, 5825 St. Charles Road Berkeley, IL 60163. Burial will be Monday in Chicago at 2 p.m.

Neli is survived by his wife  Gentijana, parents Xhema and Amdija, sisters Nerka and Bulena, daughter Ariela, and son Aldrini

His wife wrote in Albanian on Facebook, "Neli suddenly ended his race with life. He may have lived a short life, but he lived a beautiful life. I was lucky enough to create a wonderful family with him.

"Neli had many friends. He was a man who looked people in the eye every time he spoke to them.

"Neli will be remembered through the good work he left behind, and his life path was such that it left many traces. A trace that oblivion will never be able to erase!"

The owners of Jessica’s Restaurant in Roscoe say they are "deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neli... As fellow members of the Albanian-American community, Neli was like family to us. He was always there with a helping hand whenever we ran out of something, needed any assistance, or just needed some advice." 

They add, "If you were planning to visit Jessica’s next week, we kindly ask you to consider going to Neli's instead and support his family during this challenging time."

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