Obituary of Nicola Palumbo

On November 29, 2023 our beloved father, husband, nono and nono great, peacefully passed away surrounded by family at the age of 93. The son of the late Domenic and the late Maria, Nicola was born August 25, 1930 in Dipignano, Italy. Devoted husband and best friend of the late Maria for 73 years. 

Cherished father of the late Nick (late Wilma), Danny (Rita) and Linda Sdao (Gennaro). The most admired nono of Sarah Palumbo (Josh), Christina Kochanowski (David), Nicolas Palumbo (Morgan), Marissa Takacs (Kevin), Kayla Sdao (Dave), Nicole Sdao (Evan), Daniel and Stano. Nono Great of Cruze, Charlee, Isabella, Sloane, Harper, Dominik and Isaak. Beloved brother of the late Vincenzo (Pina). Nick was the loving Zio to his many nieces and nephews and confidant to many. 

Nicola married the love of his life Maria in 1950, in Cosenza, Italy. Nicola immigrated to Canada in 1952 in search of a better life for his family. Maria waited patiently in Italy, for Nicola before he sent for her. Nicola lived in Toronto where he learned the trades at various construction job sites with his brother. He then came to Sault Ste. Marie where he worked at Wire Hauser and eventually settled at Algoma Steel where he would eventually retire. 

With roots set in Sault Ste. Marie, Maria and Nicola had their three children. Nicola and Maria raised their family in a home deeply rooted in tradition, love and values. Over the years the family continued to grow, and Nicola loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to play a tricky game of hide and seek and would whistle at the children as they hid. 

A visit in the garage would always begin with a woodworking lesson, a cold beer followed by an espresso at the kitchen table. Many of his woodworking projects such as the pallet Christmas trees, tables, wells and chairs will carry his legacy and live on in the community. 

Nicola was notorious for his long-winded stories and hilarious jokes. We always left pondering the life lesson embedded in his stories and advice. 

Nicola and Maria built the hub of Batchewana. A beautifully, humble place where the family would gather and of course party. Nicola insisted on regular parties with good food and drinks that “taste good”. 

Nicola could be found sitting with his straw hat on the deck eagerly waiting for a thousand kisses from the kids or an in-depth conversation from anyone interested. It was a real privilege to be in his company. 

Nicola was a patient, gentle man and the epitome of a wise man with a heart of gold.

In 2003 Nicola began to lose his eyesight however, despite elements of his independence being taken from him, Nicola never complained. He would light up at the voice of Maria calling him in from the garage and always greeted her with kisses in the entrance.

He lived a life of sacrifice and modesty to give his children and their families everything they have and cherish today. Nicola was a proud man and nothing was more sacred to him than his family. The unique bond he created with each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever be unmatched. Much like his wife, Nicola lived life on his own terms, by his own rules and he went out just the same. Six months away from Mary was too long and he knew it was time to be with his love and his son Nick. Nicola expressed how proud he was of the life he lived and fulfilled his dreams. He has now passed his wisdom and traditions to the rest of us to carry out and nothing made him more at peace. 

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial donations to the FJ Davey Home would be greatly appreciated by the family.

The family would like to thank the FJ Davey Home for all the care and support they showed to Nicola in recent months. As well nurses Alyssa and Makayla in 3A at the Sault Area Hospital for your patience, compassion and smiles for Nicola during his last days.