Nicholas Massa Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

Betting and Breaking Even
Nick Massa had clearly defined interests. They were golf, the racetrack and cards, not necessarily in that order.

He was on the golf course every chance he got. Each year, he and his golf buddies would go on a couple of four-day outings, often to Florida. They would play golf in the morning and often follow up with tennis in the afternoon.

Then he had a card group that would assemble every couple of months and play poker.

The horses were a longtime fixation. He kept a box at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, and attended once a week during the season. You could also find him at Belmont and Aqueduct, if not elsewhere, though he wouldn't bother with the trotters.

His dream had been to own racehorses, and some years ago he managed to buy several, and he did get into the winner's circle a few times.

Mr. Massa, 65, lived in Manhattan and was a senior vice president at Aon. There were times he spoke of retiring next year, and there were times he would say, "I'll never retire."

"He was a friend to all," said his daughter Donna Mercurio. "Anyone who became his friend, he took a big piece of your heart."

Between golf, the horses and poker, there was a lot of betting going on in his life. So how did he do on those golf trips?

"He said he broke even," his daughter said.

What about at the racetrack?

"Broke even," she said.

And poker?

"Another break-even," she said, "According to him."

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Consulate General of Italy
New York
September 11 2021

We miss you Nick and always will .
Every September our hearts become heavier than the days before, as we remember how we have so deeply missed your presence all these years, achingly knowing you were taken away much too soon . Although my daughters knew you for only a brief moment in time, they too will never forget your precious life.
Love eternally ,
Your cousin, Marlene

Marlene Mare Todaro

September 13, 2021 | Bronxville, NY | Family

Every year, The Italian Consulate in NYC honors all Italian Americans who died on September 11. I submitted Nick’s name to be included this year & I attended the ceremony at the Consulate . He will never be forgotten. ❤I have uploaded a picture . Marlene

September 12, 2021

Hard to believe it’s 20 years , oh I miss you so much ❤

Nicholas Massa

September 11, 2021 | Pensacola, FL | Son

Hard to believe 20 years have passed; but I think of you every time I go to the horse races. You loved the sport and we had great times together. Miss you, my friend. Will see you when we are reunited at the racetrack in the sky. May God grant you eternal bliss.

Leonard Resto

September 10, 2021 | Chatham, NJ | Friend

Nick, my old boss way before AON. He taught me so much as newbie in insurance. I always remember him and Sam the dynamic duo.

Wanda Rivas (Hernandez)

September 09, 2021 | New York, NY | Coworker

We all miss him Marlene, It's always so hard to deal with that day and relive what we said and did and saw .I miss talking to him every other day but we try to go on. Love Nicky

September 13, 2017

Thank You Tony For remembering my Dad on 9-11.

September 13, 2017

Thank You Len for remembering my Dad on 9-11 , Dad loved the racetrack and sharing his life with so many family and friends

September 13, 2017

Hi, Nick,

16 years have gone by and there isn't a single time I go to bet the horses at Monmouth that I don't think of the great times we had together there. The year you let me use your private box will never be forgotten. May you be at peace in the hands of the Lord.

Len Resto
Chatham, NJ

September 12, 2017

Nicholas G. "Nick" Massa

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