Nicholas P. "Nick" Farina

Nicholas P. “Nick” Farina Utica Mr. Nicholas P. “Nick” Farina, age 83, of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2006 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center after being stricken at home. At the time of his passing his family was by his side. Born in Utica on February 8, 1923, Nicholas was the loving son of the late Nicola and Vincenzina “Jenny” (Natalizio) Farina. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of World War II, Nick served with the Paratrooper Unit of the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Over the course of his military career in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines, his valorous service was recognized with the awarding of a Distinguished Unit Badge, the Purple Heart, and a Victory Medal. On July 30, 1947 he was joined in marriage with the former Sadie A. Graziano with whom he has shared a 58-year union filled with their true devotion and commitment to one another. Upon his return from his military service, Nick attended Hobart College and Utica College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1952. During his collegiate years he was a member of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity. Mr. Farina began his career working for Graziano’s Furniture, the family business that was owned and operated by his in-laws. He then accepted an investigator’s position with the Oneida County Department of Social Services. He was later employed as a pharmaceutical representative for the Charles Pfizer Co., a position he held for a period of more than 10 years. He was also the owner of his own business enterprises, including the Utica Wilbert Vault Co. and the Empire Wall Co. He retired in 1978. Although Nick’s career and personal accomplishments were wide-ranging and varied, he considered his family to be his most rewarding achievement and the source of his greatest pride. He was never happier than when he was spending time with his loved ones, especially summers at their camp on Verona Beach. Among Nick’s preferred leisure activities, one of his favorites was skeet shooting. At one time he belonged to the Clinton Fish and Game Club as well as to the Ilion Fish and Game Club. He was a parishioner of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Mr. Farina is survived by his wife, Sadie; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer E. and Richard DeVenezia of Remsen; 2 sons, Nicholas J. Farina and David P. Farina, both of Utica; and 2 granddaughters, Emily and Kristina. His survivors also include a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his brother-in-law, Raymond Tedesco; and his sister-in-law, Rose Lisandrelli. Nick also leaves his good friends, Dr. Frank and Lois Paladino, Ray and Margaret Greco, Frank and Theresa Sportelli, and Polly Talarico. He was predeceased by 3 brothers and a sister-in-law, Paul Farina, Daniel Farina, and A. Victor and Anna Farina; and a sister, Sarah Tedesco. The family is grateful to the EMT’s of the Utica Fire Dept. and to the ER staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their valiant efforts and compassionate assistance during the medical emergency that preceded Nick’s untimely passing. Thanks also to Dr. Fred Talarico and to Sally Callaghan NP who have cared for him throughout the years. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St, corner of Hammond Ave. Mr. Farina’s funeral will commence at 8:30 Monday morning from the funeral home and at 9:30 at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place with Military Honors in the Calvary Mausoleum.

Nicholas P. "Nick" Farina

February 8, 1923 - May 12, 2006