Nicholas Rubbo

Master Craftsman and Gardner, Nicholas Rubbo, 97, passed away at his Grasmere home on October 6, 2022. Born in Pietraroja, a farming province of Benevento in Campagna, southern Italy, Mr. Rubbo moved to the United States in 1954, settling in New Dorp. After living in Dongan Hills, he resided in Grasmere from 1967 until his passing. 

Mr. Rubbo was a master at everything he did. His award-winning garden was filled with a bounty of vegetables and fruits, including meticulously cared for tomatoes, eggplants, cucuzzas and pepper plants. His Italian roots in the mountains of Pietraroja taught him the crafts of gardening, basket weaving and homemade cooking. He was known for his epic pizza pies, homemade pasta dishes, meatballs and so many other authentic Italian specialties. Mr. Rubbo took the time to jar his own tomatoes, dry figs and make his own wine. A perfectionist in all he did, his recipes would yield exacting measurements, such as 100 meatballs or exactly 50 raviolis. 

A true artisan, Mr. Rubbo was also a self-taught master basket weaver, creating 100's of breadbaskets, vases, centerpieces and even umbrella holders. He even lovingly made a baby bassinet for his family's infants. His construction skills were also unmatched, building fences, decks and stairs that were considered to be overbuilt by modern construction standards.

Mr. Rubbo worked for the New York City Housing Authority as a master plasterer, retiring in 1989. Some of his projects included the Housing Projects in Brooklyn and Staten Island, The World Trade Center and the Pan-Am Building. He specialized in masonry work, plastering, carpentry and fireproofing. From sidewalks to decorative plaster molding, Mr. Rubbo did everything with a unique precision and passion.

Mr. Rubbo was an avid New York Yankees baseball fan, whose interest in the sport was sparked by watching his sons, Domenick and Anthony, play baseball when they were youths. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Sylvester's Church in Concord.

"Dad was a generous soul," said his son. "He loved sharing his prized vegetables and food creations with family, friends and neighbors. Dad also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed being the center of attention at parties and family gatherings. He would socialize with everyone and dance the night away. He was a true craftsman and mastered so many things throughout his life. He will be remembered as an inspiration and a legend."

Mr. Nicholas Rubbo was the beloved husband of 69 years to the late Tomasina (nee Varrone) who passed away in 2012. Mr. Rubbo was the loving father of Maria Toscano and her husband Frank, Eda Leone and her husband Raymond, Domenick Rubbo and his wife Marilyn and Anthony Rubbo and his wife, the late Kelly. He was the cherished grandfather of Tammy, Gina, Paul, Lauren, Nicky and Toni Ann; great grandfather of Tara, Kaitlyn, A.J., Olivia, Alexandra, Charlie, Archie and Greta. Adored great-great grandfather of Mason. Mr. Rubbo was the dearest brother of Yolanda Rubbo and the late Fay Alberti and Marie Gallo.

A. Azzara Funeral Home, 183 Sand Lane, Staten Island, NY 10305 has been honored with providing the funeral arrangements for Mr. Nicholas Rubbo which include visiting on Friday from 2pm to 6pm. There will be a chapel service at the funeral home on Friday afternoon at 4pm. Arrangements also include private cremation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (stjude,org) would be appreciated in loving memory of Nicholas Rubbo.