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Nicholas Gravina
1933 - 2022
Nicholas Gravina
1933 - 2022
Obituary
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BORN
1933
DIED
2022
Nicholas Gravina Obituary
Nicholas J. Gravina passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at the age of 88,
surrounded by his wife and children. Nick is survived by his wife, Rita and his three children,
Phyllis Salatino (Jim) of Wilmington, NC, Rita Taylor of Beacon, NY, Andrew Gravina (Leslie) of Acworth,
GA; and seven grandchildren, Jimmy, Lauren, Johnny, Kyle, Nicholas, Olivia and Audrey.
Nick was born on July 29, 1933 in New York City to the late Andrew and Minnie (Colello) Gravina. On
September 29, 1957, he married his beloved wife, Rita Hayden. In 1963, they moved to Mahopac, NY where they raised their family until their recent move to Wilmington, NC. Nick was an avid sports fan and could always be found on the sidelines watching his grandchildren play sports.
He was an avid bowler and spent many afternoons with his friends at the Jefferson Valley lanes. Nick will always be remembered for his quick wit, infectious laughter and dramatic storytelling. Nick worked for IBM 36 years before his retirement and was a Manager of Special Events. Nick served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or
www.lifecare.org Condolences to family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
10 Entries
Vincent Sgroi
May 8, 2022
I was so sorry to read about Nick's passing. Nick and I grew up together in New York and were best friends. I'm sorry we drifted apart and never kept in touch. My sincere condolences to Rita and family.
neil santorelli
March 10, 2022
so sorry to hear about cousin nickys passing. he brought so much laughter to the family. he used to always rip my buttons off my shirts at a family function as it became a sort of tradition every time i saw him...i enjoyed his stories of his father and all the colellos ..... rest easy nick and god bless...
Millie Santorelli
March 9, 2022
So sad to hear of the passing of my dear cousin Nicky. He was always bringing laughter to our family. He was so loved by his family. I myself have wonderful family memories. Rest in Peace.
Joanne Leone
February 6, 2022
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to Rita and family for the loss you have suffered. Nick was one of a kind bigger than life. He cared deeply and shared generously. He was a friend to many and a sporting cheerleader. Our local bowling lost a genuine friend. And he did love debating politics and the state of theNY Knicks BB team. A few more debates and he could have changed Knick history. He will be greatly missed. Joanne leone
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Bobbie Leifels
January 29, 2022
Nick was one of a kind person. Bowling with him & Rita was most enjoyable. I cried when I read his obituary as I was very fond of him. I pray Rita will stay well. He will be missed by many.
Carol DeMascio
January 29, 2022
Dear Rita, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Nick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nick was a great person and we all can reflect on the good times we shared at the bowling alley. God bless you and your family. Carol DeMascio
Sue Stephens
January 27, 2022
I am so, so sad to hear of Nick’s passing. I met Nick at IBM, my first job. We were in the same department. He was such a wonderful man! I remember so fondly his excitement talking about his baby, Phyllis. Nick was always smiling, always there with a helping hand. I’m so sad we didn’t know we were living in the same area. My condolences to the family. May Nick Rest In Peace.
andrew perry
January 27, 2022
Over the 10 years I have known this man I can honestly say I enjoyed our conversations very much. It didn't matter what the topic was, although it would always wind up talking about sports especially the Yankees. He always had a story to tell about his past and how it related to things today. He was a sincere man who loved his family very much. What I will most remember about him was how his face would light up when speaking about his grandchildren. I wonder if God could stump him with a baseball question. He will be missed.
Maria Weyrauch
January 27, 2022
While I never met Dad, I felt I knew him through the years of stories my dear friend Rita told of him. He seemed like a 'bigger than life' presence who always kept his wife and family at the forefront of everything. I know how much he will be missed, but hope the memories of his vibrant life will comfort them as they struggle to live in a world without him. My sincere condolences to Rita, Johnny, Kyle and the rest of the Gravina family.
Jim Stephens
January 26, 2022
I am so sad to hear of Nick's passing and even sadder that I didn't know that Nick and his wife were living in Wilmington, NC, where my wife Sue and I have been living for the past 23 years. I had the pleasure of working with Nick for a number of years, in White Plains and on the road at many IBM events. He was smart, generous and so much fun. I especially remember leaving work and going with Nick to see his son, Andy, play baseball at Mahopac HS. I believe my wife, Sue, at some point worked with one of Nick's daughters in Armonk and the nickname "meatball" comes to mind. May Nick rest in peace ... a wonderful man.
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1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
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