Obituary of Nick Criscuolo

Nick Criscuolo was born on January 25, 1938, in Agerola, a small village in the Lattari mountains near Naples, Italy. Nick was a very resourceful young boy and learned many survival skills as a result of being born in war-torn southern Italy. Thanks to his Aunt Emmanuella who was established in New York and sent packages of food and supplies, Nick set a goal to have a future in the U.S.

In 1958, at the age of 20, Nick boarded a ship headed to New York in the port of Naples, leaving behind his childhood sweetheart Anna, his mother Immaculata, and two younger twin brothers Luca and Matteo. Arriving in the U.S. without much was a struggle, but Nick was ambitious and resourceful. He was determined to earn the money necessary to pay for passage for the rest of his family and his beloved Anna.

After settling in the Italian American enclave of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, he worked hard and got the rest of the family to the U.S. by 1959, followed by his future wife Anna, whom he married in 1962.

Their first son Joe was born in 1963 followed by Aldo in 1966.

Nick worked in several small businesses in the Bronx, but being entrepreneurial and driven to own his businesses, he set out on I95 North and landed in Stamford, CT. Eventually, he realized his dream and opened his first Restaurant, Nick's Pizza in Glenbrook in 1968. To Nick the Patrons of his Restaurant weren't just customers, they were his friends. Despite working long, hard hours, Nick always had a smile on his face.

Having achieved great success in the hospitality industry and starting a real estate firm, Nick spent his retirement years enjoying his grandkids, especially during magical summers in Italy, often traveling with his wife Anna, his brothers, family, and friends. He loved spending time with his extended family and nothing made him happier than cooking a great meal and enjoying it with the people he loved.

Having lived through tough times, Nick kept it simple. He prioritized his family and friends and offered advice and help to many people, even strangers, throughout his life. For Nick helping his family and others were the true measure of accomplishment and success and the embodiment of the American Dream.

Nick's memory will be cherished by his wife Anna, his son Joe Criscuolo and his wife Mariateresa, his son Aldo Criscuolo and his wife Ellen; two sisters, Camilla Derosa and Carmela Pane; two brothers, Luca Criscuolo and Matteo Criscuolo; five grandchildren, Nicholas Criscuolo, Giancarlo Criscuolo, Francesco Criscuolo, Marco Criscuolo, and Eva Criscuolo; and one great-grandchild, Charlotte Criscuolo.

The family will receive friends at Lawrence funeral home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Monday, April 24, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 25 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. John Church, Darien. Entombment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Rd, Hartsdale, New York.