Nicholas, known by everyone as “Nick’, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on April 30th, 1921. His parents, Michele Stere and Mariantonia (known as Antoinette) Stere (Carusillo) were immigrants from Italy. He is preceded in death by his parents and family, including four brothers and one sister (Pasquale, Pat, Louise, Louis, and Tony). His parents came to the United States from Volturara Appula, Foggia, Italy seeking a good foundation for their family and future.
Nick attended Crosby High School, where he was known for his smile, kindness, and giving nature. He loved playing baseball and football, was active in his family church, and had a passion for music and dancing.
It was in Portland, Oregon that he met his future wife Betty at a USO dance in 1943. Nick was stationed in SW Portland, awaiting his deployment with the Army to the Philippines for World War II. He was a topographer, mapping out strategic locations for the war effort. Nick and Betty became engaged upon his return from the war and were married in May of 1946. Returning to his roots in Connecticut, Nick finished his schooling to become a machinist and toolmaker, always claiming his accolades of the Scovill Brass Works, ‘The Brass Capitol of the World’. In 1951 he and his family returned to Portland where they remained.
Nick’s great joys were family, friends, and holiday celebrations, with a great fondness for animals and good food (especially Italian food). He was an avid Portland Trailblazer basketball and Oregon Duck football fan. Nick was bestowed the honor of the Blazers ‘Hometown Hero’ Award at a playoff game in 2016. He maintained his east-coast loyalty to his New York Yankee baseball team, as well.
His lifelong love, Betty, passed away in 2010. Nick was now 89, and after encountering cardiac issues, he found another lifeline in the Cardiac Rehab program at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. The benefits from these friendships and exercise sustained him throughout the rest of his life. The friends and staff of this program brought him great joy.
He lived such a full and limitless life for someone of his age. One of his friends called him ‘God’s Lantern’, as his smile would light up the room.
Nick’s family includes his daughters Marcia Rust (Doug), Laurie Fitterer (Mark), and Karla Stere; grandsons, Jeffrey Rust (Mandy), Brian Rust, Michael Fitterer, and Daniel Fitterer (Kara), great-grandchildren Sadie Mae Rust, Harper Rose Fitterer, Sammye Lynn Rust, and Hunter David Fitterer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital Cardiac Rehab Program.
Nick is loved by all and will forever be remembered.
