Alexia Nepola, a prominent figure on The Real Housewives of Miami, has openly shared aspects of her personal life, including her journey through marriage and relationships. While currently married to Todd Nepola, her marital history is rich and complex, starting with her first husband, Peter Rosello Sr. This exploration delves into Alexia’s relationship with Peter Rosello Sr., examining its beginnings, evolution, and the enduring impact it has had on her life.
Alexia’s journey to becoming “a real wife,” as she playfully remarked after marrying Todd Nepola in 2021, began with Pedro “Peter” Rosello Sr. in the early 1990s. Their relationship, born in the vibrant Miami nightlife at Club Nu, took a dramatic turn when Rosello’s past came to light. Despite the challenges, their bond led to marriage and the birth of their two sons, Frankie and Peter. Understanding this initial chapter is crucial to grasping the full narrative of Alexia’s life and her relationships.
Alexia Nepola and Pedro Rosello Sr.: A Marriage Forged in Miami’s Intensity
Peter Rosello Sr. on the Real Housewives of Miami Season 5 Episode 16. Photo: Bravo
The story of Alexia and Peter Rosello Sr. is intertwined with the backdrop of 1980s Miami, a city then known for its glamorous nightlife and, as depicted in Cocaine Cowboys, its darker undercurrents. Alexia, then a young “Cuban Barbie,” met Rosello in 1987. As she recounted in the Netflix docuseries, their initial encounters were typical of Miami romance – beach outings and budding affection. However, the reality of Rosello’s life soon intruded when he had to leave their dates to handle “drug shipments.”
Despite the alarming revelation of Rosello’s involvement in illicit activities, Alexia’s connection with him deepened. Their engagement occurred while Rosello faced legal troubles, culminating in his arrest in 1991. Remarkably, they proceeded with marriage during his brief release on bond. In 1992, their first son, Peter Rosello Jr., was born, marking a significant milestone in their young family’s life. Shortly after, Rosello Sr. began serving a four-year prison sentence.
The arrival of their second son, Frankie, further cemented their family ties, but the strains of Rosello’s incarceration and their differing paths ultimately led to their divorce in 1996. Despite the separation, Alexia emphasizes the positive aspects of their post-divorce relationship, highlighting Rosello Sr.’s consistent presence and dedication as a father to Frankie and Peter. She has openly stated their amicable terms and the strong bond Rosello maintains with their sons, underscoring a co-parenting dynamic built on mutual respect.
Beyond Peter Rosello Sr.: Alexia’s Marital Evolution
While Peter Rosello Sr. represents Alexia’s first foray into marriage, her relationship journey didn’t end with their divorce. She subsequently married Herman Echevarria in 2004, a businessman who became a familiar face to Real Housewives of Miami viewers after the show’s premiere in 2011. Their partnership extended beyond marriage into professional realms as they co-founded Venue Magazine, a publication covering lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion.
Alexia Echevarria and Herman Echevarria attend Private Opening Reception for CVI.CHE 105 South Beach on October 24, 2014 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for CVI.CHE 105
Alexia and Herman’s marriage lasted until 2015, preceding his unexpected death in 2016. His passing deeply affected Alexia, who spoke of their strong spiritual and emotional connection even after their separation. Herman had also been a stepfather to her sons, further complicating the emotional landscape of this period in her life.
Years later, Alexia found love again with real estate developer Todd Nepola. Their engagement in 2019 and marriage in December 2021 marked a new chapter. Despite personal tragedy striking close to their wedding day with the passing of Alexia’s mother, their intimate ceremony symbolized resilience and a fresh start.
TV personality Alexia Nepola and Todd Nepola attend the 2019 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on January 26, 2019 in Hallandale, Florida. Photo: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Stronach Group
The Enduring Legacy of Peter Rosello Sr.
Peter Rosello Sr. remains a significant figure in Alexia Nepola’s life story, not only as her first husband but as the father of her sons. Their early relationship, though unconventional and marked by challenges, laid the foundation for Alexia’s understanding of family and partnership. The enduring positive relationship they maintain as co-parents speaks to a maturity and commitment to their children that transcends their marital past. While Alexia has moved forward and built new relationships, the narrative of Peter Rosello Sr. is an indelible part of her journey, shaping the woman she is today, both on and off The Real Housewives of Miami.
