Mr. John B. Nicotera

MARCY - Mr. John B. Nicotera, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Born in Utica on February 23, 1934, John was the son of the late Salvatore and Agnes (Perin) Nicotera. At the age of 5, he and his family relocated to Duluth, Minnesota where he received his elementary and secondary education at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, and at 18 years of age, they joyfully returned to Utica where he was reunited with family that he truly missed. On August 3, 1957 he married the former Ruth Young. They held a serious love and respect for one another and shared abundant laughter; together they enjoyed the family they created. John carried out a long working career in multiple positions of expertise including machinist, draftsman, tool designer, and manufacturing engineer. He acquired his skills by attending night school courses at MVCC along with on-the-job-training. He began at Bendix Corporation, and then he became the proprietor of a full-service Gulf Gas Station. He then returned to the workforce where he was fortunate to re-enter his former position at Bendix where he remained for 13 years prior to transferring to Anionics, Inc. Advanced Manufacturing where he was involved with advanced manufacturing tools, and subsequently did contract work at Bendix in Mexico to produce the integral parts of bicycle brakes. His most rewarding position was at Lucas Aerospace where he worked for 20 years as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in the Aerospace Fluid Power Division, retiring in 1993. A few years later, while visiting The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, with two of his grandchildren, he proudly pointed out the parts of space vehicles that he had helped create. Whether at work or at home, John was the man who could fix anything! Having pride in his performance was integral in all his endeavors. Inherent to his character was his proclivity and acuity as a problem solver and troubleshooter, resulting in his persistence in working to perfection in fixing and improving situations. He was also the best and proudest Grampa who gave hugs that made noise, and they were the best. He was proud of his Italian heritage as a source of his deep work ethic and generous spirit of giving. He was a man who assisted anyone in need, ....the actions of his kindness would be known today as “paying it forward.” As a dad, he was a constant presence in his children’s lives, but he was not always one to emote the feeling of his words. Yet, he knew how to connect with each of them. His love was unconditional, and as the kids grew, he wanted to be needed and that was most important to him. To his three generations of children, he was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather involved in the important events and milestones in each of their lives. They were always so impressed by his endless ingenuity, especially after everything in his house and his children’s homes was bonafide “John-ified”. His youthful nature and sense of humor could be seen in his later years, when he would hand his calling card out that gleefully stated “Grampa can fix anything!” There is a high probability that the bricks of the Entrance Way to Heaven will now be leveled and the Gates will be well oiled! A charitable man, John was a 50+ years member of the Knights of Columbus, devoted to educational, charitable, and religious work in the community. Through his own generosity, and the love and pride he felt for his children, he taught them, by example, to embrace charitable causes and volunteerism as they entered adulthood. The activities and hobbies he most enjoyed were Do-It-Yourself home improvements, and pursuing his high caliber woodworking and carpentry skills he accrued as a young man. Each of his children and grandchildren has a unique, custom fit fixture in their home that they will hold their heart forever. He also loved celebrating anything and everything at his go-to place, Ventura’s Restaurant, the ultimate gathering site to share joy and celebrate occasions with family. An avid outdoorsman, he was a skilled hunter and knew the woods at the Nicotera Camp ...a meeting place for many years filled with endless memories. He also enjoyed fishing and boating on Oneida Lake. John was a devout Catholic, attended Mass and observed Religious Holy Days of Obligation, and recited the Rosary, practices that began in his youth. John is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children and their spouses, James G. and Denise Brodock-Nicotera, Mary Theresa “MT” and Eric Hallstead, and Anne M. Nicotera and husband Gregory Maydan; his grandchildren and their loves, Paul G. and Jennie (Sinchak) Nicotera, Carrie-Lynne and Christopher Sorvari; Wesley Hallstead and Savanna McMahon, and Ruth Hallstead; Dan Maydan, and Teddy Maydan and Forrest Joholski; great-grandchildren, Raelyn Ann and Amara Kathleen Nicotera, who entered this world as her great grandfather departed it; and he will be held close to the heart of his sister, Carmela Dee as well as, his nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging Robert Nicotera; great-nieces, great-nephews, and a multitude of close-knit and loving cousins. His nephew Richard “Rick” Nicotera who was a confidant and companion to John and Ruth and has been a blessing to them; and his sensitive and caring neighbors and best trusted friends, Michele and Ken Ward. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Vito E. and Bernice A. Nicotera; sister, Katherine “Kathy” Aubain. The family is grateful to the Masonic Care Community of NY who are truly exceptional in their care and compassion. The staff of the Manhattan Household and Community Life came to know John’s needs and talents, and they respected and worked well with him. They care for residents and family members with remarkable attention to details. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning, March 29, 2021 at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org or the Masonic Care Community of NY, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica 13501 or online at https://www.masonichomeny.org/ways-to-support. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with John’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. John B. Nicotera

February 23, 1934 - March 16, 2021