Mr. Nicholas L. DeFuria

Mr. Nicholas L. DeFuria, age 85, a native Utican, went home to be with the Lord as he passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 in the comfort of his home, just as he had wished. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loved ones who had cared for him with devotion. Born in New York Mills on October 26, 1930, Nicholas was the youngest of three sons born to the late Louis and Cora (Coriale) DeFuria. Raised and educated locally, he graduated from T.R. Proctor High School and attended Utica College. Nicholas was a proud U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. He retired from government service after working 34 years as a Civil Engineering Technician at Griffiss Air Force Base. He learned from his mother and father what real love was because it was so evident in their marriage. Nick was also blessed with real love when he married the former Lucretia Sibilio with whom he shared 62 years. She was the kindest, gentlest, most considerate human being he had ever known. Together, they lived through some serious medical problems, but they learned what real faith was and sustained each other through prayer. They saw their love transcend with the births of their three beautiful daughters and had the joy of watching them grow from children, to teenagers, to accomplished adults, each blessed with a marriage to a wonderful man. And because of this he knew what real wealth was. He practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Nick is survived by his wife Lucretia; his daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Alfred K. Rocci, and Susan and Thomas Luker; and Don Marshall. Always close to his heart was the memory of his eldest daughter, Karen DeFuria Marshall, who passed away on October 1, 2011, a wonderful, loving person and loyal friend to all who knew her. He leaves his grandchildren, Noahjon, and Nicholas Marshall, and Amanda and Dennis Harrington; Marissa Rocci-Armstrong and her husband David, and Matthew and Megan (Brown) Rocci; his cherished great-grandchildren, Alexander, and Nicholas Armstrong; and Calvin, and Nina Harrington; and his brother and sister-in-law, Salvatore and Carolyn DeFuria of AZ. He will also live on in the hearts of his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Nick was blessed with many longtime friends as well as those who he has met in more recent years, all who were dear to his heart. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony J. “Chic” and Anne DeFuria. The family would like to give a special “thank you” to his niece, Cathy for her care and cookies; to all his friends whose compassion, support, and prayers meant so much to him; deepest and most sincere gratitude to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, Dr. William Ryan, Dr. Jim Bramley, and the doctors at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospitalist service, the ICU, and the 2E staff and nursing supervisors for the care, compassion, support, and concern they showed Nick and his family throughout his illness. A special thank you to Fr. Joe Salerno for his anointing and blessings. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Nicholas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno with Committal Prayers and Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Nicholas L. DeFuria

October 26, 1930 - May 4, 2016