Nicholas V. Petragnani's Obituary
Nicholas Vincent Petragnani, 75, of Charlotte, NC, was called home into God’s loving arms following a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 with his loving wife and children by his side.
Born in Syracuse, NY, Nick graduated from North High School in 1957 and attended Syracuse University. He served his country with distinction as a member of the United States Air Force and the 108th AC&W Flight, New York Air National Guard, including a deployment to Germany during the Berlin Crisis Recall of October 1961. Nick was truly committed to his chosen vocation. He was a professional Realtor, starting a career in 1965 with Ryan Homes under the tutelage of its founder, Ed Ryan. In 1970, Nick opened his own real estate company, Radclif Real Estate, concentrating in the sale of new homes. Nick sold hundreds of new homes in Syracuse through Radclif and other companies, including Eagan Real Estate, Gallinger and Linbrook Homes. Following a move to Charlotte, he continued to sell new homes as a leader in his industry, receiving numerous awards for record-breaking sales. Nick ended his career with Orleans Homes shortly before his death, a company where he made many special friends that became part of Nick’s extended family.
Nick also selflessly devoted his time to his community. He coached and then became President of Salt City Little League; assisted the Christian Brothers Academy cross country and track teams; was active in the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors, the New York State Realtors Association, the Homebuilders Association of Central New York and the New York State Homebuilders Association; and was a longtime member of SYAC at the Syracuse YMCA, logging thousands of miles on the old track. Nick enjoyed hunting with his father in law and son, and although he worked seven days a week, he never missed his children’s activities and special events. Family and friends will remember Nick as a strong and proud man, with impeccable style and class. He was known for his flawlessly shined shoes.
Without a doubt, Nick’s greatest love was his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert A. and Elvira (Iacuone) Petragnani; his brother, Michael J. Petragnani; and his parents-in-law, Sam J. and Ann N. Greco.
Nick is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Sharon (Greco) Petragnani; his beloved children, Nicholas V. (Christina) Petragnani, Jr. and Amy M. (Ross) Piscitelli; four grandsons, Nicholas, Evan, Sam and Luke Petragnani, who were his pride and joy; brother, Albert A. (Janet) Petragnani; sister in law, Kathy (Michael) Donofrio; as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME and 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Dewitt. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road), North Syracuse, NY on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Contributions may be made in Nick’s name to Blessed Sacrament School for a scholarship fund in his honor (3129 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206) or to Gigi’s Playhouse Syracuse (5885 East Circle Drive, Suite 250, Cicero, NY 13039).
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