Mr. Nicholas A. "Nick" Cerro

NEW HARTFORD – Nicholas A. “Nick” Cerro, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 7, 2018, from complications related to pulmonary fibrosis, with his loving family by his side. He was born October 23, 1941, in Utica, the son of the late Nicholas and Rose (Viggiano) Cerro; there, he was raised and educated, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1959. He received an Associate’s degree in Police Sciences from Mohawk Valley Community College and later graduated from Utica College with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Nick married Janet G. Morton on August 26, 1963, a joyous union lasting nearly 55 years. Establishing residence in the village of New Hartford, they raised their two children together and generated a lifetime of memories. He began his law enforcement career as a uniformed trooper with the New York State Police and rose through the ranks, culminating in many years as a highly respected senior investigator and polygraph specialist with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Retiring after 24 years of distinguished service, he became Chief of Police in the Town of New Hartford, where he continued his dedication to public safety. His final career accomplishments came as a security director at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation / National Grid. Nick was a long-time parishioner at St John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford. He was a member of a number of law enforcement associations including the NYS Troopers Police Benevolent Association, NYS Association of Former Troopers, and NYS Association of Chiefs of Police. He was also a long-time board member with the Utica Gas & Electric Federal Credit Union. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, always bringing out his great sense of humor and creative storytelling ability. He was affectionately known as Papa, and it was his favorite name. He cherished the time he and Janet shared during summers at the family camp in Verona Beach. He was an avid sports fan, rooting on (and being frustrated by) the Buffalo Bills, New York Mets, and Syracuse Orange. He also loved all kinds of music and enjoyed attending concerts, marching band competitions, and shows, especially those featuring family members. Nick is survived by his wife Janet; his daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Drew Deapo of Liverpool, NY; and his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas R. and Kirsten Cerro of Baldwinsville, NY. He also leaves behind his four beloved grandchildren: Nicholas Deapo, Isabella Cerro, Alyssa Cerro, and Kayla Cerro. Also surviving are sister and brother-in-law, Carmelita and William McCabe of Florida; sister-in-law Carolee Coleman of Pennsylvania; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins; and wonderful friends who, while too numerous to mention, know who they are and what they’ve meant. Nick was predeceased by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Vincent “Whitey” and Agnes Cerro, and Felix “Phil” and Virginia Cerro; one sister, Philomena Cerro; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marcia and Arthur “Wayne” Carey; and brother-in-law John Coleman. Special thanks to family doctor William Krause, MD, for his friendship and care for many years, and Patrick Dooley, respiratory therapist at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. In keeping with Nick’s wishes there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nicholas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those so wishing may make contributions, in Nick’s memory, to the NYS Troopers PBA Signal 30 Benefit Fund online at www.signal30.org or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation online at http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mr. Nicholas A. "Nick" Cerro

October 23, 1941 - June 7, 2018