Nicholas C. Sfara

Schenectady, NY-Nicholas C. Sfara, born on July 25, 1935 in Gioiosa Ionica, Italy to the late Domenico Antonio Sfara and Maria Caterina Calvi Sfara, entered into eternal life on October 15, 2024. “Nick”, as he was known to family and friends, was the quintessential family man. He was fiercely loyal to his family. He doted on his children and grandchildren and loved nothing more than a family gathering complete with a host of nieces and nephews. Nick led an incredibly interesting life. He was raised in southern Italy until he was about 12 years old. At that point, since southern Italy was ravaged after WWII, his family moved to France in pursuit of work. They lived in a suburb of Paris called Ivry Sur Seine. Nick quickly learned French with his siblings and the help of a cousin, and attended secondary school there. He eventually went to school to study mechanical drawing and received his degree. He was extremely mathematical and precise and a stickler for details. Nick was drafted into the French Army at age 22 and spent a few years stationed in Algeria during the French-Algeria conflict. He was a sergeant in the army and received a commendation for excellence. Nick eventually moved to the United States in 1964. His first job was at the Hotel Wellington in Albany washing dishes. He moved on to the Albany Public Market and at that time he met a nice girl named Mary Jean Pellegrino whose family owned an Italian importing store. Eventually, he and Mary Jean started dating and married in 1966. During this time Nick studied English at night in adult education classes. Nick was driven, determined and smart. He began working in construction and his first job was at the South Mall in Albany. Nick eventually became a construction estimator in the area and was widely known for his meticulous attention to detail. His specialty was “quantity takeoff pricing”. Nick worked for some of the largest companies in the area and was sought after due to his skill. Nick’s work ethic was second to none. He worked day and night to provide for his family. Almost every night you would find him at the kitchen table hunched over a set of plans figuring out pricing so that a bid could be made. When his bids were accepted he was so proud. That was always a good night in our house! Nick loved raising his girls, gardening, traveling, spending time with his grandchildren and occasionally showing off his artistic talents by drawing or painting. He spoke four languages and really was a linguist. He loved nothing more than learning about the origin of words. Many nights were spent pouring over foreign language dictionaries in our house. Nick's favorite thing to do was to have a cup of espresso with his siblings. A pot was always going on the stove. He loved to vacation in Rockport, MA and created so many memories for his family there. Nick and Mary Jean did everything together. From raising their girls, to traveling, hosting family gatherings and watching their grandchildren grow, his passing leaves a void that will never be filled. Yet, the memories created are priceless. The only thing that really mattered to Nick was his family, and he had a beautiful one. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Jean Pellegrino Sfara, his daughters Laura Hosey (Thomas) and Nicole Casey (Jeff), his grandchildren Matthew and Joshua Hosey and Genevieve Casey. Also survived by siblings Marianne Maggio, Carmeline Gallo (Nick) and Vincent Sfara. Left to cherish his memory are sisters-in-law Evelyn Haught (Jack), Diana Keller (Chris) and Joanne Gage (Tom), several nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews. . Nick was predeceased by brother-in-law Joseph Maggio and sister-in-law Karen Smith-Sfara. We would like to publicly thank Nick’s caregivers who allowed us to keep him home as long as possible. Amrita, Chandra, Sherina and Mala - you not only cared for our father but you provided us with peace of mind. We would also like to offer the most sincere thanks to Shaker Place Nursing & Rehabilitation Center who treated our father with the most compassionate and dignified care we could’ve ever imagined. Lisa, Jen, Suzie and Sheri, please know that you made a profound difference in all of our lives and especially Nick’s in his final days. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Nick’s family Sunday, October 20, 2024 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Monday, October 21, 2024 at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave (Rev John Bradley Way), Albany, NY 12206 where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Nicholas C. Sfara

July 25, 1935 - October 15, 2024