About
Nicholas Elia Obituary
Nick was a teacher at the Canandaigua Elementary School and was known as "Mr. Science" for many years, where he developed and coordinated the kindergarten through sixth grade science programs. Nick was quietly devoted to his family and taught them all the value of hard work running a gentleman's farm, with many livestock, extensive gardens, and notably a large garlic patch that provided seeds to a local nursery, braids of garlic to friends and family, and garlic heads to no small number of locals who would buy it from Nick while he sat at the end of the road with his dump truck.
Nick was an accomplished athlete and then coach of football and basketball. As a teacher and coach, he influenced the lives of countless children and teens. Nick was a widely acknowledged mentor to other teachers, especially those just starting out.
Nick was predeceased by his wife, Ann (Riffanacht) Elia in 2021; brothers-in-law, Herb Sorgen and Irmin Mody. He is survived by four children, Scott (Teri) Elia, Mark (Vanessa) Elia, Lynn (Jim) LeGrett and Peter (Sue) Elia; three siblings, Mary Jean Mody, Charles (Judith) Elia and Theresa (John) Genchur; sister-in-law, Nancy Sorgen; eight grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Nick will be remembered as a loving husband and father.
A private family service will be held at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Canandaigua. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County at https://cceontario.org/donate. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Kim Inman (Johnson)
December 29, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of us living next door to all of you. He was a sweet man!!!
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47 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
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