Nicola Boccuzzi

Visitation Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Visitation Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Date: Thursday, October 17th, 2024
Funeral Time: 11:00 am
Place of Funeral: Salerno's Rosedale Chapels
Funeral Notes: Visitation Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. until time of Chapel Service at 11:00 a.m.
Interment: All Saints Cemetery

In loving Memory of Uncle Nick. Born in a poor farming town Noicattaro Bari, Italy. Parents
Giuseppe Boccuzzi and Teresa (Porelli) Boccuzzi. Uncle Nick was the 6 th child and 3 rd son in a
growing struggling family. My father Antonio Boccuzzi would be born, the 4 th son a few years
later as the last sibling and mouth to feed! Uncle Nick always took on the big brother role with
my father and was always there for him even if he gave him a mouthful for what my dad did. I
have heard many stories that we would laugh about now but were true struggles at the time.
The brothers would never have enough clothes for all of them to be fully dressed and they
would have a race every morning. Whoever was the first to wake up would be able to fully
dress themselves. The last one to get dressed would not have shoes, nice pants or shirts to
wear. They lived in true poverty that we as our generation will never comprehend. The family
always had just enough to get by and make it work. Nicola was put to work at a young age to
help with family needs as their father struggled with health issues. He and his siblings would
help on their uncle’s farm cultivating grapes, olives, and many other fruits and vegetables
available in their region. Uncle Nick never lost the love for farming and always had a lush
garden and fruit trees. As a young boy he went into an apprenticeship with a master mason
working on buildings exterior and interior Plaster work over 70 years ago. He became a master
mason himself and many buildings in his hometown still have his timeless work intact. He was
a perfectionist and when the inspectors came to look over his work they were always impressed
with his craftsmanship. Uncle Nick’s work ethic was truly part of his character. When he was of
age he went into the Navy as it was mandatory to serve in Italy at the time. He loved the open
sea and times he spent in the Military. He learned many skills on the ships he recalled and was
proud of his time there. He made his way up the ranks in the short time he was there, and the
commanding officer took a liking to Nicola, he wanted to keep him there as a career instead of
just the mandatory time. During uncle Nick’s time in the Navy his oldest brother John made his
way to America and paved the road for the rest of the family to later follow. Uncle Nick knew
eventually he would go to America and declined to stay.
While Uncle Nick was working as a Plasterer, he worked next door to a home where he noticed
a beautiful young lady. The young lady would go out to check on the chicken coup and she
noticed a man starring at her and was quite nervous of this peeping Tom. He worked next door
for a few days and continued to notice this now skittish girl. He was intrigued by her and wanted
to get to know her. In those days you couldn’t just ask her on a date you would have to ask her
father for permission. Uncle Nick did just that. He met with her father to ask permission to date
her and after some time her father agreed to first meet with his family and go from there. The
families must have had a great time together as they were allowed to date and soon got
engaged to marry. Shortly after he went to America to stay with his brother John for a better
opportunity and live the American Dream. He told his fiancé that he was going to America to
work and would be back for her. While in America he would write letters to her and hide a few
dollars folded in between the letter so the money could not be seen through the envelope and
stolen before it reached Italy to his new love. Nicola sent the money for her to be able to enjoy
some gelato while he was away. It was a way for them to have a long-distance date and she
knew he would always take care of her even if he was not around. He took pride in being the
provider for his family since the very beginning. When he came back to Italy, they planned the
wedding and were married on Oct 12, 1968. After he got married his brother Steve married his
bride Emily at the end of October. When all the festivities were over Uncle Nick went back to
America to find a home in Chicago and his new bride followed in January to start their new life in
a new country. Nicola had a few jobs until he had an opportunity from one of his uncle’s to work

with the CTA. Zia Laura worked a few years as a seamstress until she was pregnant with
Teresa. They had 3 children, Teresa was born in 1972, Joe in 76, and Isabella in 81. While Zia
Laura took care of the kids, Uncle Nick moved up the ladder at the CTA with his strong work
ethic. He started as a laborer and eventually became foreman of a crew of over 20 employees
for train track maintenance. He never missed a day and always said yes to any extra time that
was available even during holidays. He told many stories about how they would work through
the worst weather, in the coldest Chicago winters and hottest summer days. After 29 years of
service, he retired to enjoy his life with his wife and family. They would travel back and forth to
Italy to see his family and enjoy his home they purchased with all their hard work. When his
wife fell ill he would be the sole care taker for many years as that was how strong their bond
was for one another.
He was blessed with 2 grandchildren from Teresa and Tomaso Ranieri and enjoyed spending
time with Anthony and Alessandra.
He loved going to the Italian clubs and playing cards with his friends. He would tell stories about
history, his childhood and had a great memory of recalling these events detail by detail.

He was a mentor and role model to me. He was never too busy to help his family in time of
need. His son Joe and I spent endless hours helping him (mostly as flashlight holders in his
garage) when he was fixing something from a car, lawn mower, you name it, and he would be
able to take it apart and make it run or work again. He spent time teaching us skills from
gardening to repairing cars. He was a mechanical genius. If I had any questions about how to
repair something I would ask him before even googling it to get insight on what the best way to
fix it. I will miss all the times I stopped by his house with my daughters and enjoyed his
company. My daughter loved going there as she always knew there was ice cream and candy
waiting for her.

He will be truly missed as he taught us about our Italian roots, traditions and heritage that I have
kept close to me and passed on to my children. Beloved Husband, Father, Brother and Uncle.
Surviving Siblings Melina (Pugliese). Nicola’s other siblings are reunited with him in Heaven
Lucia (Lasorella), John, Lella (Gasparro), Steve, and Antonio. REST IN PEACE