Nicholas J. Chiaia

Nicholas Chiaia, also known by his family as Nick or Joey, lost his battle with Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer on August 6, 2021. He passed at the age of 85, at his home in Monroe Township, New Jersey, with his family at his side.

Nicholas was born on July 8, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York. He served in the National Guard and worked as a New York City Housing Authority Paint Inspector.

Nicholas met the love of his life, Elissa, while making mozzarella at Martino’s in Bensonhurst. He took her for a ride on his delivery bike and the rest is history. They were married in 1957, and the love they continued to share after 64 years is something we all look up to and strive to have ourselves. The way he looked at Elissa could melt anyone's heart.

Nicholas is predeceased by his parents, Pasquale and Marie, and his sister Lucretia.

He will be missed and remembered lovingly by his devoted wife, Elissa Chiaia, and their children and their spouses, Nicholas Chiaia Jr. and Rosemary Vitacco, Rosemary and Christopher Proscia, and Natalie and Gregory Byrne. He is also survived by his sisters, Caroline, Geraldine, Joanne, and Gail.

Family was the number one thing in Nicholas’ life. When his grandchildren walked in the room, his face would light up. He has nine grandchildren – Kristen, Stephen, Gregory, Michael, Elissa, Emily, Nicholas III, Christopher, and Matthew - and six great grandchildren, with a seventh on the way whose middle name will be in his honor.

Despite the pain that he faced in his last few months of life battling cancer, Nicholas was always more concerned about everyone else's well-being. He was always trying to give up his seat, or get a drink or something to eat for everyone around him. He was a true gentleman until the very end. He is one of the strongest, kindest, and most selfless people you could ever meet. We all aspire to be a little bit more like Nicholas – he is truly the best man we have ever known.

The family would appreciate donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Nicholas’ memory in lieu of flowers. You may do so by clicking here, or by calling 1-800-227-2345, or by mailing a check to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123. If you would like for the American Cancer Society to send a card of recognition to Elissa, please provide her name and address when making your donation.

Nicholas will be remembered and honored at a service at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood, New Jersey 08884, on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 5:00 - 9:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. James the Less RC Church, 36 Lincoln Avenue, Jamesburg, New Jersey 08831 on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. followed by a committal service at Holy Cross Burial Park, 840 Cranbury-South River Road, Jamesburg, New Jersey.