Nicholas Albert LaBruna

It is with profound sadness that the family of Nicholas Albert LaBruna, 85, of Suffern, NY, announce his peaceful passing, surrounded by his loving family, on February 25th, 2025. He was a beloved husband, son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather and friend who will be greatly missed. Nick was a dedicated middle school and high school mathematics teacher for the Nanuet School District for 36 years. Additionally, for 40 years, he was an adjunct mathematics teacher at Rockland Community College. Nick was born on May 18, 1939, and grew up in Suffern. He is predeceased by his parents, Umberto and Carmella (Marino) LaBruna, and his in-laws, Aurelio and Caterina (Giuca) Licata. Nick's life was marked by his strong sense of faith, family, academics, athleticism and sense of community. He was a positive role model who was loving, dependable, honest, generous and hard-working. With his witty sense of humor, he was just a joy to be around.
For more than 60 years, Nick was married to the love of his life, Antoinette Catherine LaBruna (Licata). They were married in Suffern at Sacred Heart Church in 1964 where Nick had received all of his sacraments. Together, they raised four daughters; he is survived by: Andrea and Thomas O'Reilly, Maria and Fred Hicks, Paula LaBruna and Domenic Delaurentiis, and Annette and Brett Stevens. His 12 cherished grandchildren include: Andrew (Katie), Kerrianne, Michael and Joseph O'Reilly; Matthew and Daniel Hicks; Nicholas and Achilles Barakos (Sasha); Isabelle, Anna, Sofia and Natalie Stevens.
Nick leaves behind his brother, Albert LaBruna (Angelina) and sister-in-law, Christine Samartino, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.
Nick graduated from Suffern High School in 1957 where he excelled academically and was a member of the basketball, baseball and cross country teams, along with the golf and ping pong clubs. He went on to graduate in 1961 from Villanova University, and furthered his education with post-graduate degrees from Cornell University and Seton Hall University.
Throughout many years, Nick volunteered with local organizations. This included being the president of the Town of Ramapo Italian Twinning Student Exchange Program. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy, as well as the president of the Sacred Heart Men's Club. Further, Nick was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Group and a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church. In his former years, Nick was a Nanuet High School baseball coach.
Nick held many interests and passions in his lifetime and especially loved sports. As a Villanova alumnus, you would always find him rooting for Nova basketball. He also loved the New York Mets. Nick was also an avid golfer who prided himself on "golfing his age" at age 80, and often mentioned his hole-in-one story at West Point to anyone he met.
Frequently found driving his white Ford pick-up truck, Nick enjoyed traveling locally and to historical and religious sites. He and Antoinette also engaged in many pilgrimages to places including: The Holy Land, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Ireland.
Everyone who knew Nick would describe him as a "numbers and name guy". Even in his last days, he was still sharing important names, including those of his old classmates and coaches. He always remembered his close family members' birthdays and anniversaries. Those who were fortunate to receive one of his cards opened it to find many, many cheerful stickers throughout, alongside his gift. Nick also had an affinity for perfect squares and statistics and drew a perfect circle that was featured on YouTube many years ago.
As an Italian, Nick took great pride is his heritage. Following Sunday mass, he and the family often spent time relishing a delicious Italian dinner with a glass of wine and a sweet treat for dessert. Also, he loved growing vegetables, spices and flowers in his backyard garden. He even had a small landscaping company that brought him a lot of pride and gratification.
All-in-all, Nick leaves behind a legacy of faith, prayer, family, hope and joy. He was a true example of unconditional love who will live in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of Antoinette and our family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Sacred Heart Parish, United Hospice Care of Rockland, and many loved ones for their support and prayers.
Funeral Mass will be at the church, as well to be streamed: www.sacredheartparish.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nicholas, please visit our floral store.