Obituary of Nicholas J Spadaccini

Nicholas J. Spadaccini ,93, passed away peacefully in Goodyear, Arizona February 15, 2020. Nick is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Celia (nee Costanzo), his children Diane LeChaix (Thomas ) and Nicholas (Linda), his grandchildren Anne Schusler (Steve), Susan Slife (William ), Daniel LeChaix (Morgan), Tyler Winslow (Blythe) and Nicholas P. Spadaccini (Amber) and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Emma Schusler, Eleanor Slife, India and Faye Winslow and soon to be born twins Nicholas and Rhett Spadaccini. Nick was proceeded in death by his beloved parents Nicholas and Eda (nee Di Dionisio) Spadaccini and his two brothers Eugene (Peggy) and Richard Spadaccini. Born in West New York, NJ, his family soon moved to Cliffside Park, NJ. A renowned athlete, Nick played on the 1943 Cliffside Park H.S. State Basketball Championship Team. He also held numerous records in football and track was inducted into the Cliffside Park Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. He enlisted in the Navy on his eighteenth birthday in 1944 and while in the Navy, Nick was the 185 lb. base Boxing Champion. After honorably serving in the Navy as a radio operator during WWII, he enrolled at Rider College where he played football and basketball. He was a two-way player on the football team and earned the nickname “Nick the Quick” due to his speed. Nick was the MVP on the 1949 football team and was inducted into the Rider College Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Upon graduation, he was invited to join the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers which he declined and instead took a job with General Motors. In 1965 Nick and his family moved to Sandusky, Ohio with the General Motors New Departure Hyatt Division. He was a Financial Manager for GM and retired after 35 years of service. Nick was a proud member of Plumbrook Country Club for almost 30 years during which he recorded 5 holes in one and won numerous golf events at the Club. Nick was an avid golfer and bowler and played both into his 90’s. The family will receive their friends on Saturday 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. The funeral will leave Saturday at 10:30 AM for the celebration of his funeral mass in Madonna R.C. Church On The Hill at 11:00 AM. For condolences, directions, or information www.frankpatti.com or call (201) 944-0100. In lieu of flowers any donations should be made Rider University c/o Matt Mastrianni,2083 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.