Obituary of Nicholas Cotugno

Nicholas T. Cotugno, Jr. (Nicky) passed away suddenly on August 22, 2018, at his home in Huntersville, North Carolina at the age of 70.  He will be forever remembered by his wife of 34 years and best friend, Concetta (Connie) Cotugno (nee Kernan).  Also mourning his passing are his close cousin Susan Schwartz and his lifelong friend Patsy Cianicullo.

Nicky was born on March 5, 1948 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Nicholas T. Cotugno and Elvira Cotugno (nee Melillo).  By profession, in his early years he was employed by United Advertising, and in 1978 joined Local 68 IUOE employed as an Operating Engineer for 26 years until his retirement in 2004.

Nicky and Connie met in 1979 and were married on June 15, 1984.  They resided in Basking Ridge, New Jersey prior to moving to Huntersville, North Carolina when he retired.

Nicky was a natural storyteller, a consummate problem solver and always a champion for the underdog with an uncanny knack to reach people who needed his guidance and hope.  Only those who knew him dearly knew how he overcame many obstacles in his life.  Since his death, many have reached out to tell how Nicky changed their lives with his kindness, support, and words of wisdom.  He would be so moved.

He is now at peace and pain-free with his parents, and his lifelong friends who passed before him: Ralph, Paul, Art, Skippy and Earl, telling jokes to the angels and reminiscing about Club DeVoe days.  Watching Notre Dame football, enjoying time at home, and making everything perfect for Connie were his favorite past times.  

Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Memorial Service will be at 4:30pm.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Nicky, please consider doing a random act of kindness for someone in need.