Nicholas Anthony Piacentini

10/13/2017 Nick Piacentini was born July 27th, 1925 and spent his entire life residing in Sacramento, California. He was 92 years old when he peacefully went to sleep in the early morning hours at Kaiser Hospital (North) on Friday, October 13th, 2017. He was the son of Archie & Mamie Piacentini. He is survived by his wife Jean (Ficarrotta) Piacentini of 70+ years, who never left his side. Nick & Jean had two sons, Nick Jr. (Mary) and Daniel (Gela) and one daughter, Gigi P. Scott (Bruce). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brian, Nicole (Matt), Lee (Natasha, girlfriend) Chris (Ashley), Andrea, Karla (Brandon, fiancee). His great grandchildren include : Claire, Ella, Georgia, Sophia, and Sloane. Nick grew up with his 7 sisters and 2 brothers. Pre-deceased sisters: Eda Fauss (Ernie); Olga Bennett (Bill); Aurelia Weinburger (Matthew); Mae Jane Plescia (Paul); Lucietta Piacentini. Pre-deceased brother, Archie Piacentini Jr. (Colette). Living siblings: Edna Mayes (George); Joanne McCarthy (Henry) and Patrick Piacentini (Rose Ann). He had numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He attended Coloma Grammar School, Kit Carson Junior High School, Sacramento High School and Sacramento City College. He worked as a Labor Relations Representative for Aerojet General Corporation for 20+ years. He later worked in the carpet business at Sacramento Rug Works as a Sales Representative. He was an excellent athlete and loved all sports. While at Sac High, he lettered in football, basketball and ran track. He also played baseball for Manhart American Legion. He was "Athlete of the Year" at Sac High. After returning from the US Navy, in 1946, he played quarterback and was most valuable football player for Sacramento City College Panthers. Soon after his children were in school, Nick followed his football passion and became not only a football official (referee) on-the-field for 40+ years but also was the Secretary for the Northern California Officials Association (NCOA) for an additional 10+ years where he became a key figure in the Northern California high school sports landscape and was respected and admired by many. He helped train many excellent high school officials who later refereed at both the collegiate and professional levels. Nick was selected into the California Interscholastic Federation, Sac-Joaquin Section Hall-of-Fame as a football official in Oct. 2012. He was also a member of the Christian Brothers "LaSalle Club Hall-of-Fame." One day Nick went with his son to Perkins Golf Center and bought his first bucket of balls and was handed an old rental 7-iron and wooden driver to hit. After that bucket of balls- he was hooked and played as much golf as Jean would allow. In about 6 months, he went from shooting 100 to shooting 85; and about 1 year later he was shooting in the high to mid-70s. He loved to play, practice often and watch golf on TV every day. He scored not only 1 but "2" holes-in-one (@ Bing Maloney & @ Sunset Whitney) during his playing time. He was very proud of his military service, 1943-1946, as a WWII Sailor, as a gunner's mate, 3rd class in the US Navy. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Sacramento to start a family, work and attend college. Nick was also a proud member of the Dante Club, Over-the-Hill-Gang, LaSalle Club and American Legion. His family and friends will remember him for his love and values of life. Funeral services will be the following: Wednesday, 25 October 2017, from 4pm to 6pm for visitation with the family and at 6pm, the recitation of the Catholic Rosary. On Thursday, 26 October, funeral services will begin at 11am; followed by graveside service; followed by lunch in the service center. All services will be at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Center, located at 6509 Fruitridge Road, (corner of Fruitridge and 65th Street), Sacramento, CA, 95820.