Nickolas Romano, “Nicola”, age 79,
born in Candida, Italy and a 50-year resident of Tewksbury and most recently Billerica passed peacefully on October 6, 2021, after a brief illness with his loving family by his side.
Nick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann (Cotrone) and his children Nick and wife Ginny, Ann and husband Tom, Pia and husband Thom and his “pride and joy” grandchildren Jessica and her husband Brandon, Thomas, Nickolas, Nathanial, Lucas, and Christine. He is also survived by his siblings Florence, Carmen, Irene, Connie and many Godchildren, nieces, nephews,and many others who considered him family. He was predeceased by his parents Alfonso and Pellegrina (Petrosino) Romano.
Nicola came to the United States in 1955 with his sister escorted by their father. He and his sister settled in the North End of Boston and Nick went to work selling newspapers, shining shoes, and sweeping floors at the original Pizzeria Regina. He briefly had a boxing career because it paid more than sweeping floors. He then went to work in construction to learn the trade that he continued until his death.
Trained on the job as a bricklayer, he started his own construction company in 1976 and was joined by his son building a reputation in the construction industry.
While his family and friends were his greatest joy, he was a man who honored and lived by his values. He worked hard and truly lived the America dream. Coming to America gave his family the chance to make a better life. He loved his adopted country and was proud when he became an American citizen.
He was an active member of the Tewksbury/Wilmington Lodge of Elks and generously donated his time and resources to many organizations and charities especially those serving children, the frail, and elderly including his work on the construction of the Tewksbury Food Pantry. He was known for his open-door policy on holidays (and every other day) as many non-family members were welcomed at the table. He also quietly delivered meals for those homebound or without families making sure that he shared what he had. He was a father to many as he “adopted” those who needed some tough love and gentle guidance.
While many would describe him as rough around the edges, he was a gentle and kind man and was known as a fair and honest businessman who built his business by first building relationships with people. He gave many chances to those who needed someone to believe in them.
His favorite moments were shared with his wife, his children, and grandchildren and a favorite time for him was when they gathered for his backyard barbecues through the years.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62) Wilmington on Tuesday, October 12th at 9:00 am immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, October 11th from 3:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nick’s memory may be made to the Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Nick will ALWAYS be our hearts; as he begins yet another journey. A dedicated and devoted husband, father and many other titles suited for those who had the privilege of knowing him. His family and friends are his life. He revered God and was so thankful each and every day. I remember visiting the family and he went into the living room and knelt down to pray to God for his Blessings. His smile and humor were always welcoming. He and Ann are so generous with feeding all whom entered into their home. Nick, I love you. Until we meet again….Connie (Caso)
Nick, thank you for being an amazing and wonderful brother, and for all the beautiful memories we shared at your home with Ann and the family. Your motto “the door is always open”. If food represents love, there is always plenty of both. With you it was always about the Family, making sure everyone was OK. My Dearest Brother, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten, always in my heart. I love you to the moon and back. Connie (Romano)
We send our heartfelt condolences to Anne and family.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Nick for over 30 years and never known anyone who was as generous and hard working as Nick.
It was a pleasure to have known such a great man and always was a man of his word.
He always would help his family and anyone that ever needed help without any hesitation.
We will miss his sense of humor and his wise cracks.
He was always a mentor for me and have learned a lot from his wisdom.
He will be missed and always remembered.
Stan and i send our prayers and deepest sympathies to Pia and all of the Romano family.
Nick and Family,
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing sending prayers to your family at this tough time.
Jack and Linda Strob
Ann, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. From what I know, he was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thanks for being part of my whole life. You and Auntie Ann always welcome me and my family our your house for many great meals. Uncle Nick if being a breaker was your way of showing love you must of really loved me a lot as I do you. May you Rest In Peace I will always have a place in my heart for you and great times to remember thank you for being you, I will miss you but never forget ????????????????????????
my good friend has passed, my summers will never be the same without my pal, i<ll miss him dearley love you bd
A Gentleman in every sense of the word.
I am a better person to have known him .
May He Rest in Peace
Nick and family,
I’m sorry to hear of your dads passing.
I always enjoyed the conversations I have had with him.
He will be missed by all.
God bless the Romano family.
REST IN PEACE NICK.
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Nick coming into visit his mom. He was always so loving and gracious. Nice , nice man.
Rest In Peace.
Deb Arnold, LPN
I am so sorry for your loss!
Rip Nick
Nick and Family I am so sorry for your loss you are all in my prayers
My friend I’m really going to miss you??. I will forever cherish those great moments we had together. Thank you for being so kind to me and my whole family we miss you and we love you. “Mastro Nicola”riposi in pace ??????????????????. My deepest condolences to the whole family ????
My heartaches!! I will miss you so much!!! Give my love to all that you get to see on the other side. I am so grateful for you and Anna being part of my life and it is a true blessing to have had you in it! Love you Nick so much. More than you will ever know!
Just as his tribute accurately described, Nick was a very kind, generous, and hardworking man. During an early storm on October 8th (I believe it was 1986), Nick and my dad worked together to make sure the concrete floors in our new building would harden properly. It was a challenging night but to this date that building was amazingly well built. We recently sold the building and everyone that looked at it was impressed with the quality work. That was Nick!
Quality man and quality work!! God Speed Nick! You have left many who will miss you:)
My condolences to you Ann Buskey and your whole family for your loss, my heart goes out to you. May your dad rest in peace.
Ann sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man.. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.