Nicholas Anthony Petta, Jr.

August 6, 1936 - December 14, 2021

Nicholas Anthony Petta, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2021. Nick was born on August 6, 1936, in Syracuse, NY, son of the late Theresa (Procino) Petta and Nicholas Anthony Petta. He was also predeceased by his infant brother Ralph, and his loving wife, Anna Marie (Asprinio) Petta. Nick is survived by his son, Nicholas III, (Tracey); daughter, Grace White (Ralph); grandsons, Nicholas IV (Andrea) and Joseph (Emily); his sister, Monica Caruso (Carmen); and companion, Kathleen Austin, along with several nieces and nephews. All his life Nick loved cars; he belonged to the Onondaga Hot Rod Association, was instrumental in building the ESTA Safety Park, loved racing and made many friends along the way. He retired from General Electric after over 40 years of service. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, Nick came out of retirement to work for Metroplex Taxi and later a school bus driver for the Baldwinsville Central School District. A true Leo, Nick loved to be in the spotlight and have attention showered upon him. At one time he was voted the Best 4 Speed Manual Shifter in NYS. Most notably, was his love for his Corvettes. He would spend hours cleaning and shining them, driving them to cruises, and adding accessories to make his car stand out above the rest. He loved his annual trips to Vettes at the Beach, Corvettes at Carlisle, and participating in the National Corvette Caravan treks to the National Corvette Museum and Corvette plant in Bowling Green, KY. Nick was loved by many and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Nick’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. Augustine’s Church, 7333 O’Brien Rd., Baldwinsville, NY. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date. Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 16, 2021, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd., (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.