Nicola was born in Monteverde, Italy on June 23, 1923 to Giovanni and Rosaria Covino. As a young man, he learned the masonry trade, a skill he would ply into his 80s. Nicola served his native country as part of the Italian Army, where he was formally recognized for his service and duty. He emigrated to the US in 1955; his wife and four sons followed in 1958. After settling in Elizabeth, NJ, Nicola worked as a bricklayer in Union Local 18 and shortly thereafter, began his own business, Monteverde Construction. As a mason, Nicola understood foundations, and his family serves as a testament to his strength and fortitude.
Nicola was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nick was predeceased by wife Michelina (nee Barbetta) in 1966 and wife Lucia (nee Mele) in 2008. He was predeceased by brother and sister-in-law, Savino (Sam) and wife, Mildred (nee Iscaro), of Elizabeth; brother Giuseppe of Monteverde, Italy; sister Teresa and husband, Nicola Creanza of Altamura, Italy. He is survived by sister-in-law Rosaria of Monteverde, Italy; children John and wife, Denise, of Iselin, NJ; Vito and wife, Marie, of Berwick, PA; Michael and wife, Cecilia, of Bloomsbury, NJ; Joseph Covino of Elizabeth, Nicholas Covino of Lewisburg, PA, and daughter-in-law, Laura Covino of San Fernandina, Florida; Rose Marie and husband, Dominick, of Elizabeth, NJ; and Nino and wife, Sheri, of Fords, NJ. His legacy also includes 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was ever-thankful for caregiver, Michele Pigna of Iselin, NJ.
Many will fondly recall Nick proudly sitting on the brick wall he built at his home on Washington Avenue in Elizabeth, where Nick -- “the Mayor of Washington Avenue” -- would greet and hold court with neighbors and friends. His quiet nature complemented his skillful work, which can still be observed on Washington Avenue and throughout Elizabeth and surrounding towns. In retirement, Nick enjoyed monthly trips to Atlantic City where he’d joyfully hop off the bus and play his favorite slot machines to while away the day. When he couldn’t get to AC, he’d just as gladly play his Bingo lottery tickets.
A hardworking man who found joy in life’s simple treasures, Nick knew that the greatest of those treasures were found at home. Whether he was sitting under the grape arbor which he built on a summer night with family, on the front wall watching over the neighborhood, or mixing cement for a new building, Nick’s integrity and wisdom were in all he touched. He will be missed forever by his family and friends. He is now reunited in love and joy with the family and friends he knew and loved so well.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral on Thursday, January 9, 2010, 9:00 am from Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home 2124 E St. George Ave Linden, NJ (908)352-9190. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, Elizabeth, NJ 10:00 am. Interment St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 5:00-9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Nick Covino’s name to Calvary Hospice at https://www.calvaryhospital.org/
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