“Please rest easy. We will see you in the blink of an eye”
Nicholas “Nick” Tomaszczuk passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11th at the age of 69. Nick was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather.
Nick showed his love with small gestures and unyielding support and encouragement. His love shone through with his constant care of his family from picking up a treat or dropping by to say hi, offering to pick up Lucy after school or doing any of a million things without expectation and without being asked.
His favorite job had to be being a grandfather. He loved my girls so fiercely. The roar of a truck outside and Lucy running down the stairs meant the two were off for a grand adventure. He sold the house he had rebuilt largely with his own hands because the idea of his first granddaughter, Lauren, leaving him was too much to bear.
My Dad was always willing to lend a hand, even for a complete stranger. He always felt very fortunate and blessed because he grew up with nothing. So if he could help someone he would without hesitation. Within five minutes of meeting him most everyone would consider him a friend. Everyone has a story about that time that Nick...
My Dad led a hard life and had many scars of trauma and injuries, but he loved so strongly and so deeply. He put everyone above himself and gained joy from the happiness of those he held most dear. Sadly, this time of year cast a shadow on his face that hurt so intensely to see. But a few years ago, my dad donned the Santa Claus suit and that magic seemed to make the season more enjoyable for him.
For my dad, it wasn’t about where he came from and what he had suffered but about the love and joy he surrounded us with. My dad immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil at 12 leaving his mother and other siblings behind to live with his uncles. He often joked that he learned English from watching the Three Stooges. He embraced America and always appreciated his adopted country. In the Spring of 1968 at only 17, Nicholas enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged on October 26th, 1971.
Nick was the center of our family and his loss is deeply felt each day. I love my dad and I know that he loved me and my family. My heart is broken but the Santa Claus magic in him would want me to still make Christmas for my children.
Nicholas was the beloved husband of Marian (DiPasqua) Tomaszczuk for 46 years. He was the devoted father of Cheryl Rodriguez and her husband Alex, Nicholas Tomaszczuk Jr. and Melissa Bridge. He was the loving papa of Lauren, Lucy, Sarah, Kayleigh, Madison, Tommy and Johnny.
We love you, Dad. Please rest easy. We will see you in the blink of an eye.