Henne Jewelers Remembers Long-Time Team Member and Jewelry Industry Icon, Nina Pugliese

https://instoremag.com/henne-jewelers-remembers-long-time-team-member-and-jewelry-industry-icon-nina-pugliese/

‘Heart and soul’ of Henne Jewelers passes away at 65

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2025/10/21/nina-pugliese-death-65/stories/202510200064

Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/14317-nina-pugliese-longtime-henne-jewelers-employee-dies-at-65

I had known precious Nina for 46 years. She was a bright light for me and the Henne family. Nina had so much love and faith. Every one she met would fall in love with Nina's wonderful and pure soul. She was a sister to me. I miss her so much, but I was blessed to know her. Love.

- William Shanley

Nina was extraordinarily generous. She shared her time, talents, love, and friendship freely, not only with her cherished family but also with her Henne family, friends, and even those who hadn't yet become her friends.

Each day, she greeted everyone with a warm smile and an open heart, radiating her genuine love for people. Nina's deep spiritual faith and her courageous willingness to share it served as a true inspiration to me.

Without a doubt, Nina was welcomed into her Savior's arms with joy and celebration, confidently hearing the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

- Dara Henne

A true angel on earth. She guided John and me through many, many jewelry purchases and eventually became a guide for our sons and daughters-in-law. I am so very proud to own many of her signature pieces. I will always think of her when wearing them.

- Diane Fisher

Nina was truly a bright light. Her smile was so welcoming and she always made you feel special. Her light will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know and love her.

- Beth Twerdok

Nina was love and light personified. An incredible human. May her memory be a blessing.

- Nedra Hazlett

The Henne family is aware of all of the baubles, strands, some made by Nina, sparkles, pins, watches and gifts to mark special milestones in our married life and the lives of our children. What I had never shared is the deep conversations that Nina and I had about everything besides the "merch". What we shared had everything to do with family, the commonality of our different faiths and the world at large. I will hold the spirituality that we shared along with the laughs and warm hugs in my heart forever!

- Ellen Stewart Cohen

How can one truly put into words the impact Nina had on my life and on so many others? I had the privilege of working with her for a few years, and she was always a light in the room, always with a smile, always full of joy. Nina dearly loved her work, though to her it was never work. Listening to her creative mind dream up new designs or the perfect names for her pieces was nothing short of inspiring.

I feel blessed to have known her, for my children to have known her, and to hold a treasured piece of her jewelry.

- Hope Novak

Nina was such a beacon of hope for me when I came back from my first JCK. She stood with me in the airport for so long giving me pointers and reassuring me, even after a long flight. She was such a caring, sensitive soul and a really funny person. Love her beads.

- Annika, The Finest Stack

I have a number of Nina pieces, all different and all wonderful. A special person who embodied all that is good. She will sparkle always.

- Melanie Tuttle

Nina made us smile and laugh every time we came into Henne. She had such a big heart that you could tell even by meeting her once. She was so incredibly patient with us when choosing my ring and through tears and laughter, we found the perfect one.

- Cassie Carchiaro

Nina was such a beautiful person inside and out. A force of nature too! I can still hear her saying to me, "That is the setting for your ring!" I will think of her fondly when I look at it.

- Julene Vidic

Nina helped my husband and I pick out my engagement ring and wedding band. She was so knowledgeable and patient and made the experience special. Every time we went back to the store, she remembered us and welcomed us with a warm greeting.

- Caitlin McCarthy

Nina has been part of many of our life chapters, through engagements to weddings, anniversaries and expanding families, life milestones...all of it! She shared in the joy of the happy occasions and offered kindness, prayers and hugs during some of the more difficult ones.

- Jen McCrady

When I first sat down in my new shared office at Henne 10 years ago, I never imagined how deeply my life would be touched by my new "roommate." In Nina, I found not only a supportive colleague, but also one of my dearest friends. She encouraged, supported, and loved me through both joyful and difficult times. Nina was truly selfless, always finding ways to make others feel special. I will forever treasure the memories we created together.

- Juliet Slaby

Oh, Nina. She made others feel so understood and loved. She was a beautiful and talented child of God.

- Anne Shriver Wagner

She was a wonderful and gracious person. My mother enjoyed working with her and cherished the custom jewelry pieces she created.

- Joe Mancino

She was truly one of a kind. She helped us reset and restyle my engagement ring for our 20th Anniversary. She went so far above and beyond to help us. She even called me to sing "Happy Birthday" to me on my special day. She was such a gem and will be forever loved and missed.

- Elana Hart

I am honored to have known Nina even if for a short time. She had a way of making people feel like they've been friends forever. I was so grateful for her taking me under her wing when I started at Henne, and I will always remember her kindness, laughter, and generosity of spirit.

- Madison Clayborn Moon

Sweet Nina. I will treasure my memories of her and my Nina pieces forever.

- Tonja Condron

The entire city of Pittsburgh has lost a family member.

- Gregory Farrell

I was heartbroken to hear about Nina.  I have known her for over 25 years through her time as a buyer back when her and Ann were a team.  She was always such a joy to be around — warm, creative, and full of kindness.  She made a lasting impression on me, and I will truly miss her.

- Doron Poloma

Hi all,

I just gave Jami a call after hearing about the passing of Nina & I just wanted to send a note expressing my condolences & ensuring that her loved ones know she'll be missed by me & the Dayan family.

Though Henne is my newest client, these past few years in speaking with Nina have been an absolute pleasure. She was always a breath of fresh air or a peaceful conversation as a break in the day.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do at all. I'm sending hugs & prayers to all of you during this time.

xx,

- Miranda-Kristine, MK Di Tullio
Shy Creation Inc.

I think I’ve known Nina for as long as I’ve known you….21 plus years now. Always liked bumping in to her at trade shows. She always had such a warm greeting and big heartfelt smile. She was so liked within our industry and she always had the upmost respect for you, your family and Henne Jewelers.

- Chad Shreibman, Alson Jewelers

My mother Ruth Succop was quite the Henne shopper in her day—1960-2004.

She usually asked for Nina or Bill. Both of them would accommodate Mom’s wishes. I remember Henne on center where senior Mr Henne would sneak me life savers.

I am sad to read your news. Nina was one of a kind. May you find peace in the memories you have. Henne’s was blessed to have had Nina for so many years.

- Alice May Burger

I've had the pleasure of working alongside Nina for the past 24 years, and we are all so truly blessed to have had her in our lives.

Watching her in action was nothing short of inspiring, whether she was finding the perfect piece of jewelry for a client, seeking out new designers, sourcing the finest pieces for our store, or bringing her own beautiful designs to life.

Nina's fierce work ethic, her deep love for her family and friends, and her unwavering faith touched everyone who knew her and made us better for knowing her. She was a true example of a life lived with purpose, love, and faith.

We will always remember her professionalism, dedication to the store and her career, and the care she showed to her team members, as well as her joyful singing!

Nina leaves an undeniable mark on Henne Jewelers. Her story, her character, and her remarkable talent will continue to inspire all who knew her, today and for generations to come.

I've acquired quite a personal collection of Nina's designs over the years and I will hold her close to my heart every time I wear one.

- Debbie Nucci

Nina helped me purchase a Rolex after my first baby was born. I was in the store when he was just a few weeks old and she looked at him and said to him without reservation and with passion, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." We will never forget Nina.

- Sara Vandommelen

Nina always had a warm smile and a special greeting for me, but I think that's the way she treated everyone. I greatly admired her talent and the artistic pieces she created and displayed. Years ago, Nina designed a beautiful turquoise necklace for me that I treasure. I wanted something different from the classic turquoise balls. Nina found these unique, irregular stones and matched them perfectly. The necklace is stunning, and I receive compliments on it all the time. Nina always smiled whenever she saw me wearing it, which made it even more special. I am grateful to have this necklace and will always think of Nina, her creativity, warmth and spirit whenever I wear it.

- Ellen Roth

Nina was a great and faithful friend, support, and positive influence and I will always hold warm memories of her. My fiancé and I got our wedding bands from her. She knew exactly what to pair for us and I am grateful we got to work with her.

- Vanessa Lucanish

Nina's warm smile and kind eyes always made our family feel welcome and appreciated. A true gem.

- Mollie Lang

Nina was a very special person. Her kindness touched everyone. We will never forget all the memories we shared together at trunk shows and trade shows, especially our dinners at Girasole's after a long, hard day at work.

- Mark Patterson

I first met Nina when I began my career in the industry. She was kind, always ready for a great conversation, a pleasure to work with, and devout in her faith.

- Dan Sneberger

Nina helped my husband and I pick out my engagement ring 3 years ago and really educated us on the 4 Cs, which we had no idea about! She was such a bright light every time we walked into the store. We will always remember how special she made us feel in helping to design the ring.

- Julia Tankosich

Nina had a huge role in so many of our life moments, from our engagement ring to "giving birth" rings (which I still think was a scheme that she devised with Stacey). Nina was always there for us -- a friendly, honest face helping me feel comfortable always. I know Stacey treasures all of her Nina pieces.

- Dave Franklin

Nina helped me find the perfect engagement ring for my partner and helped me with my Daytona. Every time I brought the girls in, she always took time to talk with them and made sure they left with gold chocolates and Henne chapstick.

- Jerimiah Lee

I so enjoyed seeing Nina and having her help me with watches, as well as my wife, Helen, with her custom jewelry. I will truly miss her. She worked with my wife and me for nearly twenty years, and I feel as though she was not just our salesperson, but a friend. Our prayers go out to Nina, her family and the Henne team.

- Vince Baratta

No one could ever forget her beautiful smile and heart! She loved fiercely and gave so generously to everyone she knew.

- Jamie Horne

To know Nina was to truly love her. Working with her was a joy and she was there for me through one of the most difficult times in my life, offering her advice, love, and support throughout. She was indeed a "Warrior of Light", always shining God's love and Truth. What a legacy she leaves.

- Jennifer Reynolds

Nina was warm and welcoming, creative and caring.

- Erin Rimmel

Nina made every day sparkle. She made everyone feel special and she loved with the biggest heart.

- Jane Sheerer

A wonderful talent and even more importantly, a lovely woman.

- Helen Casey

Nina was a kind, artistic soul with a great sense of humor who loved the Lord and wasn't shy about it!

- Nancy Johnson

Dear John, Juliet, and the entire Henne Jewelers family,

We are heartbroken to hear of Nina’s passing and send our deepest condolences on this tremendous loss. It is hard to imagine a world without her bright presence. Nina was so much more than a colleague—to all of you and to us—she was family.

It was one of our greatest privileges to work alongside her. She was pure sunshine, with an uncanny gift for knowing when someone needed a lift and always the right words to offer. Anyone lucky enough to have been in her orbit is better for it, and we will carry that blessing with us always.

A new motto for our team is “Live Like Nina” —a reminder to meet each day with positivity, kindness, and love. Instead of WWJD, we will be asking ourselves, “what would Nina do?” Because we know she's already up there calling the shots and watching over us from heaven!

Her warmth, kindness, and faith shone through in everything she did, and her generosity of spirit touched countless lives. Nina will be deeply missed, but her legacy—and the love she poured into your team and your clients—will live on for years to come.

Please know that we are holding you all close in our hearts and sending love and strength during this difficult time! ❤️

With all our love,

- Charlotte, Frances, Danielle & The Sloane Rangers

Hi John,

I read about the devastating news regarding Nina. We wanted to send our condolences to the entire Henne team. We all had such fond memories of Nina. Always smiling and always so polite to us.

May her memory be a blessing.

- Brian Hakimian
President | Imagine Designs t Imagine Bridal

I have known her for many years and spent a lot of time with her on common lines we carry. She was very talented and among the nicest people in the industry. I will miss her a lot and I know you will too.

- Clayton Bromberg

I didn’t know Nina but now many of the Henne “family”. I knew your grandfather and adored both your parents and have relied on dear William for customer service for easily 50 years! We no longer live in Pittsburgh but when I need something in jewelry, I still do business with your wonderful company.

You have led it brilliantly. Henne’s represents many fine things but mostly Henne’s has heart.

Best

- Cuppy Kraft