Nicholas Anthony Iaria

Nicholas Anthony Iaria

Indianapolis - Nicholas Anthony Iaria, 75, of Indianapolis passed away Sunday June 20, 2021. Nicholas was born in Indianapolis to Matthew Dominic and Santina Virginia (Bondi) Iaria. Nick would often joke about his High School years by referring to himself as a "ROAD Scholar" after attending Sacred Heart, Tech, and Wood High School, before graduating in 1964. Immediately following graduation, Nick proudly served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam Era. Prior to his deployment overseas, Nick fell in love with Kathleen Sue Blythe who was the love of his life and they married in October of 1966. While he was away in combat, his first daughter Santina was born. Soon after his return home, his second daughter Gina joined the family. He was a member of both Holy Rosary Catholic Church and St Roch Catholic Church. After returning home from war, Nick worked in the family business. The Iaria family owned and operated Iaria's Italian Restaurant since 1913 on the southside of Indianapolis. This amazing man took over the family business in 1992 where he and his wife Kathleen created what would become a nationally known Italian restaurant in Indianapolis. Always buzzing with high energy, Nick was affectionately known as The Rocket. Nick was always in constant motion between visiting with guests at the table, running to the kitchen to help cook old family recipes, and walking friends out to their car after a meal. Giving you that true Italian experience in dining, Nick was known both in the Indianapolis community and on a larger scale as he transformed Iaria's to become a Nationally known restaurant in Indianapolis from the East coast to Beverly Hills and LA and beyond. As a destination restaurant, celebrities, politicians, and professional athletes all made their way to Iaria's when they came to town to experience the hype of Iaria's reputation that no other local restaurant could deliver. Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Sue Iaria, and brother Peter Iaria. Calling will be held on Monday June 28, 2021 at St Roch Catholic Church from 10 am -2 pm followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 2 pm. This one of a kind man that could light up and work a room and would make you feel welcomed all the time, will be missed most by his loving daughters, Santina (Brett) Iaria-Wood and Gina (Vincent) Cascella and his three amazing grandchildren, Marie Iaria Wood, Nicola Iaria Wood and Vincenza Sue Cascella and his siblings, Matthew (Sandy) Iaria and Antoinette O'Connor and his wife Kathy Lynn (Poff) Iaria. Nick was also very proud to be a Godfather to Santina M. Curd, Katie Iaria-King, Vincent Cascella, and the late Sheriff Jack Cottey. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St Roch Catholic Church Athletic Fund or Scholarship Fund in Nick's memory. Online condolences and a video tribute may be viewed at www.flannerbuchanan.com Flanner Buchanan-Montcalm are handling arrangements.