Nicholas S. Priore, Esq.

The city of Utica and its legal community mourn the untimely loss of their colleague, Mr. Nicholas S. Priore, Esq., age 46, who passed into the hands of the Lord with the support of his family on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on March 30, 1961, Nicholas is the son of Mary (Alberico) Priore and the late Salvatore Priore. Raised and educated locally, he ranked 4th in his graduating class of 1979 at T. R. Proctor High School. He pursued his collegiate studies at the University of Rochester, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983. He also attended the Eastman School of Music on a full scholarship and was a member of the Yellowjackets a cappella group. He continued his post-graduate work at the State University of NY at Buffalo, earning his Juris Doctorate degree in 1986. He was at one time married to the former Mary Gossin, and was proud of the relationship they maintained and their mutual love for the well-being of their children. Nick’s professional life and accomplishments were prodigious. He was a partner with the law firm of Getnick, Livingston, Atkinson, Gigliotti, & Priore, LLP located at 258 Genesee St., Utica. His affiliation with the firm began in 1986, and with his extensive experience in all areas of Bankruptcy Law, he became Chairperson of the Bankruptcy Department in 1993. Nick was respected and beloved by his fellow attorneys and renowned for combining zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients with a genuine spirit of collegiality, honesty, and professionalism. He was a member of a myriad of professional and legal societies, including the New York State Bar Association, where he served in the following capacities: Presidents Committee on Access to Justice, 3 terms on the 5th Judicial District Nominating Committee, Elected Delegate for the House of Delegates and the Oneida County Bar Association, and Committee on Lawyer Referral Service. He was also an Elected Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation. He was a member of the Central New York Bankruptcy Bar Association, where he served as Trustee, Chairperson of the Annual Continuing Legal Education Program, and Presenter of “Reaffirmation Agreements under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act”. A man who felt committed to his profession, he served his fellow professionals through his participation in various local offices and capacities, including his membership in the Oneida County Bar Association, where he proudly served on the Board of Directors and the Past President’s Committee, delivered the annual Continuing Legal Education presentation, and held positions as President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Chairperson of Law Day, and Chairperson of the Program Committee. He was a member of the American Bar Association. Nick’s civic, philanthropic, community, social, and public service activities included the United Way where he served as Chairperson and received several United Way Volunteer Awards for his service as Chair of the Attorneys Division and his participation in the “Pacesetters” campaigns. He was recognized by the Legal Aid Society of Mid York, Inc. for his pro bono work, and was awarded the NYSBA President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the Fifth Judicial District; the Oneida County Bar Association Award for Distinguished Service to the Bar, and the Oneida County Bar Association Award for Service as Association President. He was a member of the Oneida County Democratic Committee, 116th Assembly District; Alternate Delegate, Judicial District Convention; Naturalization Ceremonies Featured Speaker and Singer of National Anthem, member of the Fort Schuyler Club; Broadway Theater League of Utica board member, and Board of Directors member. A gifted vocalist, he offered his talents with the Players of Utica, the Capitol Summer Stage in Rome, and the Stage 2 at Utica College, where he played leading roles in several musical theater productions. He was a performing member of the B# Sharp Musical Club, and the Mohawk Valley Opera Society, where he performed the title role in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi; Soloist at various civic and religious functions, including the annual bar association memorial service; and Featured Performer at “Utica Monday Nite Classical Corner”. His home parish was St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, and he was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. A priority in Nick’s life was his love of family. Much of his honesty, integrity, and ethical philosophies came from the fine examples and parenting of his late father, Salvatore, who he credited for his own unwavering determination and deeply held beliefs. He also adored his mother for her kindness and sacrificing nature which he incorporated into his everyday life. Nick was charismatic, respectful, and able to embrace life with a sincere appreciation for daily blessings. He was excited by the “simple pleasures” in life, and was a wonderful father who was unbiased, selfless, optimistic, and inspirational to his children. They will always remember his incredible advice, devotion, wisdom, and outlook on life. He especially appreciated this special time in his life where he was able to have an adult relationship with his children. He was the “pizza & wing specialist”, always enthusiastic, and generous about sharing these favorites. This great man came from a humble background, but it was his upbringing that gave him the insight and intuitive nature to be compassionate, possess the fortitude to seek justice, and share a genuine concern for all those whose lives he encountered. Nick is survived by his sons, Nicholas M. Priore of Brooklyn Heights, NY, and Andrew J. Priore of Utica and Alyssa Lasek; his daughter, Alexandra M. “Ally” Priore of Utica; the mother of his children, Mary G. Priore; his beloved mother, Mary; and his special companion, Leann Atkinson. Also surviving are his sisters and brother-in-law, Margherita and John Collis of Whitesboro, Rosalinde Priore of Utica, and Leonarda Priore of New York City; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Jacqueline Priore of Altamont, NY, Daniel Priore of Utica, Anthony and Christine Priore of Albany, and Joseph and Deborah Priore of Utica; his nieces and nephews, Susan and Bill Connelly, Michelle and John Gaspa, John and April Collis, Michael G. Kerber, Salvatore Priore, Jr., Christopher Priore, Joseph Priore, who he baptized and confirmed, Daniel Priore, Francesca Priore, and Anthony “Tse Tse” Priore; his great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and his aunts and uncles, Carlo Alberico, Ermelinda Lewis, and Theresa Alberico. Blessed with many wonderful and meaningful friendships, Nick was endowed with the unique gift of brotherly love and a heartfelt social rapport with all his friends and associates. Always close to his heart was the memory of his sister, Palma A. Kerber, who preceded him in death on January 10, 2005. The family extends sincere appreciation to the outstanding caregivers and support staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Sue Cooper. Thanks also to Dr. William F. Krause, Fr. Joseph Salerno, Fr. Gregory Kreinheder, Fr. John Rose, the entire community of wonderful friends who gathered with the family, and the members of the Utica Fire Department Rescue Emergency Medical Technicians. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00-3:00 and Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Nick’s honor to the family, enabling them to establish an educational fund for Nick’s children; envelopes will be available at the service. The religious communities of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes will gather to celebrate Nick’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial on Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Nicholas S. Priore, Esq.

March 30, 1961 - December 20, 2007