Obituary of Nicholas E. Cristofaro

Age 75, of Elmira, NY, passed away peacefully in Hornell, NY, on May 25, 2016. Nick, born on July 6, 1941, was the first-born son of Rita and Michael Cristofaro. He was predeceased by, and will join in heaven, his parents, brother Jimmy (James) and cherished son Mikie (Michael). He graduated from Elmira Free Academy, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After serving his country and returning stateside, Nick became employed with the New York State Department of Transportation. He proudly retired as a Civil Engineer after 30 years of service, and never missed a day of work. We remember Nick wearing an orange hard hat, swinging a tennis racket or golf club, or yelling proudly for his children and grandchildren while they played in classic rock gigs, competed in sports, performed in concerts, or received academic awards. Nick was a happy person, who never had an ill word to say about anyone. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Nick was athletic and strong; we remember his height and, of course, loud voice. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Nick longed to hear all about his children's daily and yearly accomplishments, and any of those of his grandkids. He couldn't get enough of them. Always, generous, Nick was the man to come to for advice, support, and even a sharp "pick-me-up." Nick is survived by the mother of his devoted children, Gail Cristofaro also from Elmira, children and grandchildren – oldest child Bill Cristofaro and sons, Niko and Devon; Kathleen Cristofaro; Corrie Cristofaro and son Mark Worthy; Jennifer Cristofaro Gibbs, her husband Landon and their children, Landon, Michael, Emily, and Elizabeth; Sheila Shedd (widow of Michael) and her husband Carlos and her son Alex. Nick is also survived by adoring brothers and sisters and their spouses: John and Cheri Cristofaro, Tom and Julie Hall, Marilyn Cristofaro, Robert and Diane Disinski, Bill and Darlene Cristofaro, and their many loving children and grandchildren. Nick also leaves behind loving partner Betty Ebert; her children, and their spouses: Lawrence Ebert, Jane and John Lang, Joseph and Lori Ebert, James and Donna Ebert, Alex and Brad Quail, and Mary Kay and Todd Tarantino – with an additional 9 grandchildren. Nick also leaves to mourn him additional family including loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends too numerous to list. Friends and family will be received from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, Saturday, June 4, 2016, at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, with a Memorial Service held thereafter at 2:15PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Nick's family is at peace knowing that he is now with his beloved son Mikie.