Mr. Nicholas R. "Nick" Rabice

Mr. Nicholas R. “Nick” Rabice, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 22, 2016 in his home. Born in Utica on October 1, 1949, Nicholas was the son of the late Ralph N. and Anne L. (Migliaccio) Rabice. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. On June 8, 1985 he married the former Shirley Hyde with whom he shared 31 years in a union founded upon mutual understanding. Nick was Shirley’s best friend. Nick’s working life included a 27-year career with the General Electric Company. Subsequently, he worked as a Business Representative and a Union Negotiator for the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), a serious position that only a well-respected gentleman could properly balance. He was well-organized, meticulous, and had a good rapport with management. His duties included traveling the country to address a range of labor relations and negotiate the best possible contract for the people he represented. And Nick had the attributes to get the job done, including relationship and strategic skills, self-confidence, and unified support from the membership. As a patriarch, Nick’s family came first. At times, he was stern, but always fair. He instilled the right set of values to his boys, giving them a proper foundation to succeed in life. A supportive parent, Nick coached Little League Baseball and encouraged his sons to excel in their sports. He was competent in the kitchen where he cooked up batches of meatballs that were a family favorite. He also had a sharp sense of humor. During his younger years, he was involved with hunting and field trials with his beagles. He was a member of the Mid-Valley Beagle Club where the hunting dogs sharpen their searching and tracking skills. He was also a member of the Kuyahoora Hare Club. Nick was also a passionate sports fan, particularly supportive of the Celtics, Orange, Dodgers, and Eagles. It’s fair to say —- he never missed a game. He was of the Catholic faith. Throughout his many accomplishments in life, Nick was most proud of his part in raising his sons and providing for his family. To him, it was a labor of love. Nick is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Marc Rabice and fiancee Jennifer Evola of Utica, and Daniel Rabice of Florida; his step-children, Kelly and Scott Witherell, Maria and Mark Gauthier, Charles and Marsha Bills, and Kristy and Tony Citriniti; his grandchildren, Amber, and Haylee Rabice; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Patti Rabice of FL; nieces, nephews and their families; and many in-laws of the Hyde family. Visitation will be held Friday 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 Saturday morning at 10:00 at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Pasik officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mr. Nicholas R. "Nick" Rabice

October 1, 1949 - August 22, 2016