Obituary of Nicholas F. Mastrodonato

Nicholas F. Mastrodonato, known affectionately as Nick, Dad, and Papa passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, at the age of 87 in Rochester, NY, the city where he was born on August 29, 1936. A man of considerable pride and quiet introspection, Nick’s thoughtful nature was often signaled by a gentle touch to his mustache, particularly when deep in thought. One thing’s for sure, there will now be more coffee for the rest of us now that Nick is not indulging in his favorite pastime of sipping 5-plus cups of coffee a day!

Nick served honorably in the U.S. Army, a period of his life that instilled in him values of discipline and service that he carried into his civilian life. He married his beautiful Ann Hilbert of Rochester, and they spent time in Germany during his service. He had a successful career as an industrial designer and project manager at Xerox Corporation in Rochester, where he worked until his retirement.

Nick was a devoted family man and loved being outdoors and in his yard on Kreag Road - - taking care of the lawn and gardens, sitting in the sunshine, and cooking out for meals on the porch. His passion for jogging, tennis, and long walks, particularly with his beloved wife Ann, were well known. He taught his children how to play ping pong, throw a frisbee and always encouraged them to spend time together outdoors. His Friday poker nights were a staple, as was his habit of bringing home a “candy store” for his children on payday.

Family summer vacations on Cape Cod were cherished times, where he played “clam man” on the lake, relaxed in a chair with coffee and a donut, ran to Nauset Beach, and swam laps with effortless grace. He loved to cook and create traditional Italian favorites on holidays that he remembered from his mother’s kitchen. For many years, he enjoyed breakfast with “the guys” and kept in close contact with many childhood friends, who meant so much to him.

Nick’s life was marked by his commitment to kindness and balance, values he instilled in his children. He was a loving father to Kellie, Christine (Christopher), Paul (Kim), and Nicole (Shannon). His grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander, Lauren, Jordan, Kasha and Marlena knew they could persuade 'Papa' to do just about anything, a testament to his deep love and special connection with each of them. He also found a deep and rewarding relationship in his later years with his loving companion, JoAnn Tan, for whom the family is most grateful to for her love and care of Nick.

Nick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann (Hilbert) Mastrodonato, sisters, Ann (Noto) and Phyllis (Lentine), and brothers, Carl and Anthony. As an Italian who married an Irish woman, there are simply too many in-laws, nieces and nephews to list - - but you know who you are and how special all of you were to Nick!

We welcome you to join us for a Celebration of Life/Memorial service for our dad on Friday, October 11th, from 4-7 PM at the Quinzi Lodge at Eyer Park in East Rochester. The event is casual dress. 

We will have a special tribute to our father beginning at 4:15 PM, followed by a feast of his favorite foods and desserts.

RSVP to Nicole at nickimastro2024@gmail.com

We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers and for anyone wishing to make adonation in Nick's name, that they do so by contacting the Boys & GirlsClub of Rochester, www.bgcrochester.org, 585-328-3077.

Nick’s legacy is one of love, family, and a profound sense of the importance of personal connections. He will be deeply missed. Fortunately, his boundless compassion, humor, strength and love will live on with all who knew him.