Mr. Nicholas J. "Nick" Farina

UTICA – Mr. Nicholas J. “Nick” Farina, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, reuniting with his loved ones who had gone before him. Born in Utica on August 8, 1948, Nicholas was the son of the late Nicholas P. “Nick” and Sadie A. (Graziano) Farina. He attended Blessed Sacrament School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1966. Nick worked alongside his father for many years at Wilbert Burial Vaults before continuing his education at Erie Community College, where he earned his Ophthalmic Dispensing Degree to become a licensed optician. He then joined White Cross Optical, now known as Empire Visionworks. He enjoyed the 30 years he dedicated to the company and the many friendships he made along the way, prior to his retirement in 2010. A jokester with a dry sense of humor, Nick never failed to make people laugh. A devoted family man, he was honored to care for his mother in her final years. He also deeply cherished his nieces. Following in his father’s footsteps, Nick was an active member of the Clinton Fish & Game Club, Inc. for most of his adult life. It was there that he honed his skills in skeet shooting, winning numerous competitions and taking home the trophies. In his free time, he enjoyed quiet moments working on sudoku and crossword puzzles while watching classic Westerns on TV. Nick was especially fond of those mandatory Sunday dinners at Mom’s! Nick was a devout Catholic and, from a young age, was deeply involved with St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. He faithfully attended Mass for as long as he was able. When he could no longer attend in person, he continued his devotion by watching Mass on television. Nick is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer E. “Jen” and Richard A. DeVenezia. He fondly remembered his brother, David P. Farina, who preceded him on November 23, 2024. He further leaves to cherish his memory his nieces, Emily, and Kristina DeVenezia; several cousins, especially acknowledging Daniel and Carm Tedesco; and his dear friends, Kathie Shufelt, and Donna Sherwood, with whom he bonded from their first day of work and lasted long after retirement. He was additionally predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Nicola and Vincenzina “Jenny” (Natalizio) Farina; and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Carmella (Troia) Graziano. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the EMTs who responded to Nick’s call, and the emergency staff at Wynn Hospital. A special thank you is also given to the staff at the Masonic Care Community of NY for their dedicated care to Nick’s needs and their wonderful efforts in keeping him comfortable. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing for Nicholas will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Nick’s honor may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org, or Feed our Vets online at www.feedourvets.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Mr. Nicholas J. "Nick" Farina

August 8, 1948 - May 3, 2025