Nicola Antonio DeGregorio

Nicola Antonio DeGregorio of Bristol passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was 91 years old. In 1956, Nicola moved to Venezuela, where he met and married his wife, Celina (Contreras) DeGregorio. They shared 67 years of marriage, filled with love and devotion.

Born on April 30th 1935, in Cervinara, Italy, Nicola was the son of the late Marco DeGregorio and the late Giovanni Formato and Maria (Miele) Formato. At the age of 26, Nicola immigrated to the United States and built a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and deep dedication to his family.

As a highly respected carpenter, Nicola was the owner of Village Cabinet Shop in Plainville and, later, of Apollo Cabinet Shop Inc. in Manchester and Berlin, Connecticut. His exceptional skill, strong work ethic, and pride in his craft earned him the admiration of customers and colleagues alike.

Outside of work, Nicola found great joy in tending his garden, canning hot peppers from his harvest, collecting wine, caring for his parrot Geraldine, and watching his beloved New York Yankees. He was an avid collector of baseball caps, Atlas maps, and National Geographic magazines. For 50 years, Nicola was a member of Faith Living Church in Southington, Connecticut. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, whose love and companionship meant everything to him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Celina, Nicola is survived by his three children: Marco John DeGregorio and his wife, Lori, of Plainville; Gennaro Leonardo DeGregorio and his wife, Susan, of Plainville; and Maria Virginia DeGregorio of Bristol. He also leaves four cherished grandchildren: Nicola, Andre and his fiancée, Taylor, Gabriella, and Mattea. Nicola is survived by three brothers: Gennaro Formato of New Britain, Giuseppe Formato of Naples, Florida, and Domenic Formato and his wife, Filomena, of New Britain. He will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends, who affectionately called him Uncle Nicky.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington.

A funeral service celebrating Nicola's life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Thrive Church Southington, 20 Grove Street, Plantsville. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1141 Stanley Street, New Britain.

The DeGregorio family extends their heartfelt gratitude to VITAS Healthcare Hospice and to Tyson Belanger and his staff at Shady Oak Assisted Living in Bristol, CT, for caring for Nicola in his last few months, and to all who have offered love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. Nicola's legacy of craftsmanship, generosity, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Samaritan’s Purse Ministry Official Relief Response: Families affected by the Venezuela Earthquakes. PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607