Nicholas A. Delia

Mr. Nicholas A. Delia, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on April 18, 1926, Nicholas was the son of the late Michael and Rose (Paternoster) Delia. He was raised and educated in Utica and attended local schools. On February 26, 1949 he wed the former Minnie Peters. They shared 58 years of a very loving and caring marriage accented by humor. They were responsible and loyal to their relationship and to the raising of their children. Along with trade school, Nick worked beside his late brother, learning the trade of carpentry. A self-employed businessman and founder of Nicholas A. Delia & Sons, he was a master finish carpenter who built and remodeled many area homes and several commercial properties on Genesee Street as his “pet project”. He was passionate, proud, and meticulous in his work ethic. He took pride in the renovation of his own home and till this day his family marvels at the precision of his work. Among his other virtues, he was a great provider for his family, a sacrificing father, and a wise teacher of life skills. He truly made his loved ones the first blessing in his life. In his later years, his grandchildren gave him the greatest joy. Some of his favorite times were Sunday morning gatherings with his brothers and cousins, family picnics, vacations at his camp on Gorton Lake, and card games. He loved coffee and insisted on his coffee break at work and enjoyed it at home as well. An avid New York Yankees fan, he was able to recite many statistics of the team. His Lionel train set, faceted with many designs and electrical components, was a trademark for many generations. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Nick is survived by his wife, Minnie; his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen R. and John Maunz of Utica; his sons and daughters-in-law, David A. and Wendy Delia of Utica, and Robert J. and Julie A. Delia of North Utica. To his very last day he mourned the loss of his daughter, Gail Ann Delia, who passed away in 1965. In addition, he leaves his grandchildren, Heather Delia-Pfuhl, Nicholas V. Delia, who was not only named after his grandfather, but also shared a special bond with him, Robert J. Delia, Jr. and Jacqueline Delia, and Katy Maunz; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Sophia, and Dorjay. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Carmella DiFlo, and Frances and Peter Peters, all of Utica; his brother and sister-in-law, Carmen and Miriam Delia of NC; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Nancy Delia, and Richard and Patty Peters. He also leaves his longtime friend, Dick Manfredo. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Antoinette and Dominick Yacco, and Rosalind and Guy Viti; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Polly Delia, Angelo and Rosemary Delia, and Michael Delia, Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Frank DiFlo. The entire family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses of the 3rd floor at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their outstanding care, as well as the attending physicians and nurses, Dr. Eric Yoss and Dr. Louis J. Talarico, and support staff, especially Sue Cooper, who communicated with the family with such compassion. All were so helpful to Nick’s care. In keeping with Nick’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday afternoon at 1:30 at St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “And don’t worry about it”… A favorite quote of Nick’s

Nicholas A. Delia

April 18, 1926 - January 16, 2008