Obituary of Nicholas Riscili

Nicholas Frank Riscili, age 84 of Belleview, Florida, formerly of Westfield, died Sunday April 26, 2009 at the Ocala Health & Rehab Home. He was born in Westfield, NY , on August 19, 1924, a son of the late Joseph & Concetta (LaBarbera) Riscili A Westfield resident until the late 70's, Nick attended school in Westfield. He was a well known chef in Erie and Chautauqua Counties as well as in the Ocala, Florida area. He was famous for his homemade Italian sausage and fresh turtle soup. Nick also was a skilled carpenter and jack of all trades. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and the struggles his parents endured to raise their family. He was one of five sons who all served in WWII. His family was most proud of his service to his country in WWII. He was a member of the US Army, Company A., 112th Infantry. He was a POW in Germany for 18 months and has had his story published in local newspapers. He was a staunch supporter of all military men and women. Nick once competed in the Golden Gloves Boxing competition. He also was a great lover of dogs, especially his Rottwieller, Samson. He used to be an avid hunter and fisherman and loved watching football. He was a member of St Theresa's Catholic Church in Belleview, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV. He belonged to the American Legion, Elks, Eagles and Moose Clubs. He is survived by his former wife, Reda Lafave Hoth and their 3 children: Joseph (Pamela) Riscili of Otis, LA, Linda Thomas of Belleview, FL, and Roxanne (Dann) Wilson of Mauldin,SC. He was affectionately known as "Papa Nick" to his 8 grandchildren; Victor (Jennifer) and Anthony Riscili and Concetta (Robert) Ward of Otis, LA, Kevin Presto of Ripley, NY, Shawn (Debra) Presto of Stuart, FL, Brandon (Maureen) Presto of Westfield, NY, Dann (Crystal) Wilson of Nashville, TN and Amber (Kobe) Lada of Mauldin, SC. 16 great grandchildren , Nicole, Austin, Alyssa and Brooklyn Riscili, RJ and Brandon Ward, Morgen Randall, Sydnie Alexander, Darby Wilson, Brittany, Tyler, Nicholas, Austin and Benjamin Presto, Anjali and Kenli Lada. Nick is further survived by 2 brothers, Frank (Madeline) and George Riscili, and sister-in-law, Pauline Riscili of Westfield, NY. And many nieces, nephews and their children and cousins, all of which he was very fond. Predeceased by brothers Pasquale and Salvatore Riscili, sisters, Rose and Natalina Riscili, Josephine (Richard) Caudell, Natalina (Vito) LaBarbera , Petrina (Louis) Buffone sister-in-law, Annetta Riscili, and nieces, Kamila Riscili and Anne (Donald) Knobloch. Friends will be received in the Bailey Hall of St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Westfield on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10AM until the time of Services there at 11 AM , with the Rev. Melissa Remington officiating. Burial will be private. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton St. Westfield. Logon to www.masonfuneral.com to send a message of sympathy or to sign a guest page.