Mr. Nicolas Irizarry

UTICA - Mr. Nicolas Irizarry, age 89, went home to the Lord and his wife when he passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the St. Luke’s Home with his loving family by his side. Born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on October 29, 1928, Nicolas was the son of the late Pablo Juan and Venera (Molina) Irizarry. He was raised and educated in Puerto Rico. On July 24, 1948 he married the former Leonor Gerena with whom he shared his life and his love for 55 years prior to her passing on October 18, 2003. They were blessed with 8 children, and Nicolas provided for them, loved them, and guided them. The couple came to Utica in 1961 and appreciated the city and all the opportunities available to them. Nicolas worked as a tow motor operator at Lucas Aerospace, the position from which he retired on February 14, 1992. He and his wife then returned to his birthplace in Puerto Rico where he accepted a job as a greeter at the local Wal-Mart. He was well-suited for this line of work since he was hospitable, and loved interacting with people. After several years he returned to Utica to be with his family. Nicolas had a strong personality as protector and patriarch of his family. He was wise and he knew the heart and mind of each of his children. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners featuring Leonor’s special Spanish cuisine. His kids will always remember the family rides to Old Forge in Papi’s station wagon. They were good times for everyone. Nicolas was a politically minded person and part of the Utica Democratic Party. He was a man of diverse interests including his passion for games of chance which played a big role in his life. One of his prize possessions was his switch blade which he talked about to his very last day. He was also fond of the casinos, horse races, dominoes, and dice. Nicolas had great faith in the Lord and worshipped at Historic Old St. John’s Church. He always gave the bendiciones to the very end of his life. Nicolas is survived by his children and their loves, Miriam Irizarry-Avelar and her husband Elliot, Nicolas Irizarry Jr., Hilda Santiago whose husband Danny Santiago passed away on May 23, 2017, Norma and Osvaldo Gonzalez, Angel “Tony” Irizarry, and Delia and Juan Pena. He held close to his heart the memory of his daughter, Linda M. Irizarry-Kimball who passed away on April 13, 2011; and his son, Carlito Irizarry who died in infancy. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren and the next generation as the “Old Goat”, Adrian Rivera, Daniel A. Santiago Sr. and Dora Colon, Arnaldo R. Santiago, Nicholas and Patti-Anne Santiago; Krystal Gonzalez, Joshua and Ashley Pena, Nicole Pena; Lynn Ann Irizarry, and Mark Anthony Irizarry; and the cherished memory of his grandson Christopher Rivera who preceded him; his great-grandchildren, Kristin, Camarin, Karina, and Cailee Rivera; Daniel “Boobie” Santiago Jr., D’Marco Santiago; Arielle Linda Santiago; twins Alexandria and Olivia Irizarry-Hatfield; Gabriella, Isabella, and Grayson Irizarry; Christopher Pena; and Arlianna Santiago; his sister, Elisa Irizarry Molina; brothers and sisters-in-law, Felipe and Judith Irizarry, Juan Irizarry Sr., Emilio and Gladys Irizarry, Natividad Irizarry, and Enrique and Gloria Irizarry; many nieces, nephews, with special mention of Aminadab and wife Amanda Irizarry who he was very close with, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Ana Rosa Irizarry, Jose Gerena, Luis Gerena, and Delia Gerena. Nicolas’ world was filled with loving family and his life was filled with wonderful friends, young and old alike and he especially appreciated the beauty of women. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Anita “Ana” and Armondo Zayas; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Santos I. Irizarry Molina and Elsa Molina, and Pablo M. “Pavin” Irizarry. The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Luke’s Home/Barton East for providing such personal, compassionate care to Nicolas and his family. They went above and beyond for him and this experience will remain in their hearts. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nicolas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Nicolas Irizarry

October 29, 1928 - January 31, 2018