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Nicholas Vandam Obituary

Vandam, Nicholas Allan

Brooktondale: Nicholas Allan Vandam, 64, of Brooktondale, NY. Nick was born in Akron, OH. He graduated from Case Western Reserve, and obtained a Master's Degree from Cornell University. He loved to teach and was very proud of his work; he (was a math instructor) taught math at Ithaca College for 33 years. Nick was a Vietnam Veteran. Nick married Lucy Gagliardo; they loved, cared for, and supported each other for 27 years. Nick was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Nicole and mother, Bertha Vandam. He is survived by his wife; son, Daniel Allan; his sister, Debra Vandam; and his father, A. Allan Vandam. While living in Akron, Nick helped his dad with the family vegetable garden, and the one time chore turned into a life-long passion for planting and watching things grow and thrive. Nick loved hiking the Finger Lakes Trail and the Adirondack High Peaks and was always in awe of the beauty and nature around us. He was an active member of the Adirondack Mountain Club. An avid cyclist, he used his bicycle as his main source of transportation, and biked on Sundays with the Finger Lakes Cycling Club, attending "Our Lady of the Spinning Wheel Church". Though Nick had his own way of doing things, which frustrated some of us, we all knew he was a good man with a big heart. He was very excited to become a father and is very proud of his son. Nick's passion for saving energy, the environment and money make these four phrases his most spoken: "did you turn down the heat?", "did you turn off the light?", "that is recyclable" and "You can bike there." Life would not have been complete for Nick if he was not an active community member. He most recently volunteered his time at the Caroline Food Pantry. There will be a graveside service with full Military Honors on Saturday, November 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Quick Cemetery, Brooktondale, NY immediately followed by a reception at the Brooktondale Community Center. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Caroline Food Pantry, Slaterville Ambulance, or The Enviromental Defense Fund. A memorial service is planned for a future date

Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Vandam

Not sure what to say?





M Weiss

November 15, 2020

We continue to think about you, and your entire beautiful family, when we’re in the presence of nature and listening to its distinct voice.

P. Palmer

November 25, 2012

Lucy, you and Dan will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam and Mark

Mary, Ryan, and Ben Hallisey

November 25, 2012

Lucy and Dan,
We were so sorry to hear about Nick's passing. Our most sincere condolences.

November 24, 2012

Lucy & Dan, you are in our thoughts. Scott, Mary, Claire & Sarah McIlvennie.

Amy Bach

November 22, 2012

Dear Lucy and Dan,
I am so sorry to hear of Nick's early death. I will be praying for you as you adjust to life without Nick.

James & Di Hamilton & Florini

November 22, 2012

Dear Lucy & Dan,
We remember Dan's 5th b'day party in the BCC. We'll miss Nic, but will be glad to see you again soon. We'll bike there!
Love,
James, Di, Jay (& Helen)

November 21, 2012

Dear Lucy and Dan, the best of our lives and community rest in friendship, in the time we've shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and always. Brooktondale will not be the same without Nick. With deepest sympathy, The Andersson's

November 21, 2012

Dear Lucy & Dan, I hope good memories, prayers and support of friends will bring you comfort & ease your grief. Steve & Cindy

November 21, 2012

Dear Lucy and Dan,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

George, Dorothy, Geoffrey and Emma

November 21, 2012

Dear Lucy and Dan,
We are very saddened by the passing of Nick. You are both in our thoughts as you navigate though this difficult time. We are here if you need us. Jeri, Ross, Beth and Alex

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bangs Funeral Home - Ithaca

209 W Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850

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