Obituary for Mr. Nicholas R. “Nicky” Vatalaro Jr. NEW YORK MILLS – Mr. Nicholas R. “Nicky” Vatalaro, Jr., age 62, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on August 27, 1956, Nicholas was the son of Nicholas R., Sr. Vatalaro and the late Catherine “Katie” (Moran) Vatalaro. He attended T.R. Proctor High School.
He served our country with the United States Army during peacetime in the 1970’s. Nicky worked for a number of years with the New York State Thruway Authority. He was also self-employed as the owner and operator of Vatalaro Signs.
He was so creative, so meticulous, and so proud of his one-of-a-kind creations. His craft was a calling that blends art, graphics, and personalization. An amazing problem-solver and jack-of-numerous-skills, he was known as “MacGyver”.
He was also an auto body man and worked for several area businesses. Nicky’s work ethic was impressive and enduring. He was a hero to his children because he taught them how to sustain their core values and survive in today’s world.
He was a proud and honest man blessed with a non-judgmental personality. He was passionate about the things he loved and he was generous in giving. Nicky was a bit of an entrepreneur with an eye and ability to see the value in potential ideas.
A comical fellow, he was the first to laugh at his own jokes and he had nicknames for everyone. At times, his health conditions limited his ability to be at his best. It was always his intention to be there and his family and friends came to know and understand his ill health.
Nicky had a passion for drag racing at Utica/Rome Speedway. He knew all the good East side mechanics and body shops and as he refined his skills, he built his own car, a modified racing vehicle 55-V, enhanced with the names of his 4 children inscribed on the car. He also raced at Fonda and other modified stock car racing tracks.
Nicky was renewed in his parenthood when his grandchildren came along, and he was affectionate like never before. He knew that his time was short, so he wanted to remind others as well as himself not to sweat the small stuff. Nicky was born a Catholic, and knew the Lord walked along with him.
Nicky is survived by his father, Nicholas; his children, Mary Kay Vatalaro-Tyksinski, Jacqueline “Jackie” Vatalaro, and twins Sandra Vatalaro and Nicholas R. Vatalaro, III; his grandchildren, Michael Plumb, and Addison Tyksinski; Vincent Sgaglione; Luis “Louie” Lopez, and Alyssa Lopez and their dad, Danny Lopez, and Chantal Bien-Aime; Michael A. Vatalaro, Vincent S. Vatalaro, and Nicholas R. Vatalaro IV. He also leaves his siblings, Ray Vatalaro, Elizabeth “Beth” and Bob Davies, Lillian Vatalaro, and Kevin Vatalaro and Lily Oh; nieces and nephews, Allison, and Brian Davies, Tessa, and Hanna Vatalaro, and always remembering Jenna Vatalaro who preceded him; his cousins; and the friendship of many wonderful and loyal friends that crossed his life. The family extends their appreciation to the doctors and nurses of the ICU, and the NEO/PED Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center; and the Heritage Healthcare Center 2nd Floor staff for their kindness and compassionate care, especially Nurse Debbie Jadhon.
Nicky’s family honored and commemorated his life at a private time. He will be laid to rest next to his Mom in Crown Hill Memorial Park. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Nicholas R. “Nicky” Vatalaro Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
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