NICHOLAS LAEZZA

1932 - 2022

LAEZZA, Nicholas The Honorable Nicholas J. Laezza of Revere, formerly of Lynnfield and East Boston, passed away on December 21st, 2022, at the age of 90. Devoted father Keith Laezza and his wife Michele (Theriault), of North Andover, MA, and Pamela Bunker and her husband Rodney, of Chilmark, MA, on Martha's Vineyard. Cherished grandfather ("Papa Nicky") of Samantha Bunker, Emma Bunker, and Nicholas Laezza. Dear "Uncle Nicky" to many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, John (Giovanni Laiezzo) and Victoria (DiMarino) Laezza; and siblings, Josephine Kennedy, Rose Piazza, Peter Leizza, John Laezza, and Victoria Wilshusen. At the request of the deceased, there will be private services, Pamela and Keith will reach out to family to plan private celebrations of life. Nick was born in Boston on June 9th, 1932 and lived with his family in East Boston during childhood, after his parents migrated from Avellino region of Naples, Italy. He and his family lived on Cottage Street on Jeffrey's point in East Boston. Nick attended East Boston High School with many friends who would remain close throughout his life. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and served four years, including during the Korean War. Among his Navy roles, included time as the staff assistant to the Admiral of his ship, where he developed an interest in legal studies. Upon discharge, Nick took advantage of the G.I. Bill as many of his time did and enrolled in Boston University and then moved to Suffolk University where he studied Law and Political Science, including attending class under Professor Howard Zinn. He attended Law school at Suffolk University and, in addition to earning his JD degree, also earned a Master's degree in law. His legal career began in his native East Boston working with long time local attorney Rico Matera, before moving to a civilian attorney role with the U.S. Army. While working for the U.S. Army, Nick worked directly with Raytheon Company at their Andover plant, where he represented the Army in contracts negotiations with the Company on many of their legacy air and missile defense systems such as Stinger, Hornet, and Patriot. Nick then moved to a long-time assignment as the General Solicitor/Trial Lawyer for the GAO with the U.S. Department of Labor Boston branch, ensuring proper safety and employee treatment for U.S. Industry. Finally, in 1980 Nick was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a Federal Administrative Law Judge in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he presided over cases involved with Workers' compensation, a position he held for over 10 years until his retirement. Nick enjoyed his family very much and was a devoted father to his two children, stressing the importance of education, and fostered a lifelong love of learning, reading and music. Nick enjoyed reading all types of fiction and nonfiction, jazz music, movies, keeping up on sports and current events, politics, and all activity related to the ocean, especially sailing, often taking sailing trips with his brother Peter. Nick loved travelling throughout New England (particularly on the seacoast), and wintering in Florida, where he kept in touch with many long-time friends throughout his life. Nick enjoyed conversing on all such topics and kept current on everything up until the very end of his life. Nick was proud of his independence, and was also very active throughout his life, walking on Revere Beach with his friends every single day (up to 6 miles!) which he credits to his longevity. For someone whose parents spoke little English, growing up as one of six siblings during the depression era in East Boston, Nick achieved great honor in his career, and raised a loving and grateful family, and was a good friend to all who knew and loved him. For more info or to send an online condolence, visit ruggieromh.com East Boston Peabody