Nicholas Monaco died peacefully, surrounded by family on October 28, 2020. He was 73. Nick was born on January 16, 1947 in the Bronx, NY to Louis and Rita (Cantalupo) Monaco. Nick honorably served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. On September 8, 2001 Nick married Patricia J. (Braia) Canfield. They shared the 19 happiest years of their lives together with laughter, love, dancing, and a good amount of arguing about the other's driving.
Nick loved and was loved to the fullest. He was fearless and strong, emotional and heartfelt, grateful and authentic. His best friends were friends since childhood, and a first encounter had everyone feeling like they'd known him forever. He loved and cherished his life, his country, his family, and his friends. His grandchildren, to whom he was Pop Pop, were his greatest source of happiness and pride. He taught them how to hunt, fish, ride a quad, make a meatball, and most importantly, what it means to have a life well lived and full of gratitude. Nick was a force, who all are better for knowing, and whose absence is profoundly felt.
Nick's life and legacy will forever be remembered by those he leaves behind: his loving wife Patti; his children Louis Monaco and Nicole Cable (David); his stepdaughter Shannon Shelton (Michael); his stepson Will Canfield; his grandchildren Aidan, Emma, Jack, Kyle and Riley; his sister Loretta Mazzola (Thomas); his (like a son) Adam Tracy; his many cousins, neices and nephews; all the other kids to whom he was Pop Pop, and more friends than can be counted, who are more like family. Nick is predeceased by his sister Cathy Langner.
Services for Nick will be private and family and friends will be invited to attend online.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity close to Nick's heart, St. Jude's or Wounded Warrior Project.