Nicholas (Squidgy) Vaccaro, a lifelong resident of New Rochelle, died in his sleep on January 2, just one month short of his 102nd birthday. During his last days he was blessed to have his loving family around him to say good-bye to a very simple man, whose greatest contribution was to make people laugh and to make them a bit happier just by being with him. One of his great, great nieces dubbed him “Uncle Happy” many years ago.

His life growing up in the Southside of New Rochelle to immigrant parents was certainly not easy, but he never uttered a complaint. Nick was “the life” of every social event and a renowned ballroom dancer.

Nick was employed for many years in the highly skilled sheet metal industry in NYC, working on many of the great buildings of the City. While employed, and in retirement, he gave of his time to numerous charitable endeavors, mostly as a chef, assisting his brother, Onofrio, at cookouts all over Westchester County. He was also very much involved in the founding and development of the Southside branch of the Boy’s Club of New Rochelle. After retirement from the construction industry, Nick drove a bus for seniors and was employed as a delivery driver for Modern Pizzeria of New Rochelle.

Nick was predeceased by his wife Lucy (Santoianni), his brothers, Onofrio and Leonard, and his brother-in-law Frank Santoianni.

Nick is survived by his daughter, Susanne, and by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Sadie, his caretaker and faithful companion of 12 years.

Visiting Wednesday 9-10am Mass Blessed Sacrament Church Wednesday 10:30am Interment Beechwoods Cemetery