Obituary
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Nocerino, devoted father to Nick and Tom, “Papa” to five adoring grandchildren, as well as the loving husband of 65 years to the late Joan Nocerino.
In poor cardiovascular health for nearly 50 years, he succumbed to his ailments on Easter morning, April 9, 2023. He left this world reassured by the loving presence of his sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren and in the firm belief in Christ and that he would soon be reunited with his beloved “Joanie.”
Nick was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 28, 1935 to Nicholas and Mary Nocerino. Losing his father to heart disease as a boy, Nick grew up under difficult circumstances in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He left High School to enlist in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served honorably for four years. During those four years, Nick earned his GED degree and his natural intelligence landed him roles of increasing responsibility. While home in New York on leave from the service, he met the love of his life – Joan Solimano. He often recounted their first date at Jan’s Ice Cream. After a short courtship, they married on January 8, 1956. Nick and Joan both reported they had an inkling they’d get married when they first met. They moved their family from Long Island, NY to Fort Myers, FL in 1977 and could be seen walking together along McGregor Blvd. throughout the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s. In recent years, the two of them enjoyed their summers together at their mountainside cabin in Lansing, NC.
Nick had a nimble mind and loved to share his observations and insights. He also loved to tell stories from his past. He especially liked to tell tales of: growing up in a rough & tumble Italian neighborhood; his experiences in the military; meeting Joanie; and the “encounters” he had as a delinquent bill collector and union representative at the Consolidated Edison Company of NY. Nick always prioritized his family above himself and despite his limited formal education, strongly emphasized the education of his sons. With his encouragement his two sons received seven university degrees between them and many academic honors.
Nick was the loving husband of the late Joan Nocerino., devoted father of Nicholas S. Nocerino (Molly) of Hinsdale, IL and Thomas G. Nocerino (Marilyn) of Nazareth, PA, adored grandfather of Nicholas T. Nocerino, Katherine Joan Nocerino, Michael T. Nocerino, Nicholas M. Nocerino, and Robert T. Nocerino. We will miss him dearly.
Please join us celebrating his life at a funeral mass at 10am on Saturday, May 6th at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Cecilia’s.
God’s blessings to you all.
Terri and Jeff Porter