Nicholas William Pace

1923 - 2012

Nicholas William Pace, 89, entered into eternal rest September 3, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Torrington, CT on June 11, 1923, the son of Frank Pace, Sr. and Frieda (Torizzo) Pace. Nicholas met his childhood sweetheart, Florence (Perlotto) Pace, during Children of Mary choir practice at St. Peter's Church. They were married for 59 years prior to her death in 2003.
Nick left high school to join the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a Gunner's Mate 1st class. He saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and was a recipient of the European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart.
On Oct. 13, 1943, his ship, the USS Bristol, was sunk by a torpedo fired from a German submarine off the coast of Algeria. Fifty-two men were lost. He and the rest of the crew were rescued hours later and Nick received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the attack. After he recovered, he was deployed to the Pacific on the aircraft carrier USS Windham Bay, fighting in campaigns in Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the Philippines. The ship was preparing to join in a planned invasion of Japan when the Potsdam Declaration Treaty was signed, signaling the end of the war.
Nick was employed by the Torrington Company and Milford Rivet and Machine Co. After he "retired" he had a third career serving customers at W.H. Morrison Co. hardware store. Nick delighted in helping customers find "just the right thing" they were looking for.
Nick was predeceased by his wife Florence and son-in-law Richard Zielinski. He is survived by four daughters, Marie Pace Juhlin (husband Steve Juhlin) of Richmond, NH, Rita Pace Zielinski of Branford, CT, Patricia Pace (partner Roger Stone) of Branford, CT, and Susan Pace of Torrington with whom he made his home. Nick cherished his six grandchildren, Matthew, Krista, and Sarah Juhlin, David Zielinski and Ruth Z. Meyers, and Monique Pace. Also Surviving are brothers Frank (Frances), Raymond (Ann), Joseph (Dolores), and Ronald Pace (Geraldine) and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His faithful pup Georgia brightened his later days and will miss him terribly. Nick was a humble and modest man who made friends wherever he went. He and his family would like to thank Dr. Michael Kovalchik and Jean Evangelisti APRN, the staff at DaVita Dialysis, 4th, 5th, ER, and Special Procedures staff at CHH, the staff at the Sullivan Senior Center, and VNS of Connecticut staff for their loving care over the years.
Friends may call Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., at the Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect Street, Torrington. Burial with full military honors will follow in New St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Anthony School, 55 Oak St., Winsted, CT 06098. To offer an online Condolence, please visit www.gleesonryanfuneralhome.com.