Nicholas D. Porro

Nick Porro: pizza maker, fig tree aficionado, man of science, craftsman-of-everything, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Nick grew up surrounded by the warmth and love of his close Italian family. Some of hi s fondest childhood memories came from life on Market Street, frequenting the neighborhood bakeries and countless adventures along the Brandywine Creek. He graduated from Salesianum High School, where he also worked as a janitor to pay his tuition, never shying away from hard work and quiet determination.

The curiosity and care that shaped his youth flowed into the kitchen, where his cooking brought joy to those around him. His legendary pizzas will be forever remembered and recreated by all who were lucky enough to share them. Over the years, he dazzled everyone with his creations, made with the precision of an engineer and the passion of a chef. Whether it was his pursuit of making the perfect pizza crust, the flakiest apple pie, or the finest wine, his greatest triumphs were always in solving the unsolvable. No problem too great, no challenge unmet. Even illness couldn't slow him down. He often brought homemade treats to the nurses at the Helen Graham Cancer Center just to spread a little joy.

Nick's accomplishments in the kitchen were rivaled only by his work in the garden. His pride and joy were the fig trees he tended. He could spend hours discussing the finer points of their care and would share his expertise with everyone who asked. With great excitement, he'd often transplant cuttings from his own trees into friends' and neighbors' yards. He even created his Fun with Figs YouTube Channel to help others grow and maintain their trees.

On the occasions that he couldn't be found in the kitchen or yard, Nick kept busy with a multitude of projects around the house. Whether he was building decks, installing a roof, or constructing a wall, stone by stone, he never did anything halfway. His least favorite phrase was "good enough," and he refused to quit until the job was done to his standard.

As a Chemical Operator and Safety Manager at Hercules Research Center for 40 years, Nick built a meaningful career and formed friendships that became family. After Hercules, he started his own contract manufacturing business, where he thrived on bringing people together to find creative solutions to complex problems. At work and in life, Nick brought the same tenacity and ingenuity to everything he touched.

Most at home in a well-worn sweatshirt (usually splattered with paint, sometimes with the sleeves cut off), Nick dressed for the tasks he tackled and the cozy time spent with loved ones. He was especially fond of westerns, Star Trek, and a good mystery. A lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan, he loved watching the games in peace, even if the rest of the house didn't always get the memo. Nick and Rosella (Martucci) were married for 46 wonderful years and raised two children, Alexander (Rebecca) and Giuliana (Matthew). They'll deeply miss Nick's gentle spirit, his optimism, his loving heart, and the way he could still make everyone laugh, even on his toughest days.

He adored his grandchildren, Juliette (Alexander) and Matteo (Giuliana), and came up with the sweetest songs and nicknames for them. Pop-Pop's love will be felt in every memory, every laugh, and every moment.

Nick was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Josephine (Vassalotti) Porro. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosella, his children, Alexander and Giuliana, and his brothers, Michael and Guy.

A celebration of Nick's life will be held on what would have been his 72nd birthday, Friday, December 12th, beginning at 12:00PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 730 Halstead Rd, Wilmington, Delaware 19803.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Helen Graham Cancer Center for their care during his treatment. In Nick's memory, please carry his spirit forward-show kindness, lend a hand, and make the world a little brighter, just as he always did.