In loving memory of

Nicholas J. Pietropaolo
September 12, 1982 - October 28, 2017

Nicholas J. Pietropaolo, age 35, of Toms River, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark, NJ.

Nicholas was born in Elizabeth, raised in Newark and lived in Toms River prior to entering the service. He then lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina and Buffalo, New York prior to moving back to the Toms River area. He was a CH-53 aviation mechanic for the United States military and an accomplished Marine. He was the recipient of the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Kuwait), Global War on Terrorism Services Medal, National Defense Service Medal as well as a three time recipient (expert) of the Rifle Qualification Badge. During his military career he served in Operation Enduring Freedom from January to March of 2003 (Iraq), Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to June of 2003 (Iraq), Operation 26 MEU LF6F from March to June of 2005 (Kuwait) and Operation Enduring Freedom from June to December of 2006 (24th MEU).

In addition to Nicholas's extensive military career, he was a loving father, son, brother and uncle. He was known for being a jack of all trades and his smile and charisma could light up any room. He could be quite the jokester and family was always first and foremost for him. Of all of the titles Nicholas had - Dad and US Marine - he adored being his nephew Caden's superhero.

Nicholas was predeceased by his father John Pietropaolo; paternal grandparents Nicholas and Mary Pietropaolo; maternal great grandmother Stasia Cordeiro "GiGi" and maternal grandfather Ronald D'Amore. Surviving are his three beautiful children Alyssa, Dominick and Giovanni Pietropaolo; mother Lisa DeSa and "Dad" Jack; maternal grandmother Dolores D'Amore; sisters Nicole Fisher and her husband Christopher and Jacqalyn DeSa and her fiancé Kevin Fisher; nephew Caden Fisher and many loving aunts, uncles and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Nicholas's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517 or www.woundedwarriorproject.com to aid the service men and women that suffer from PTSD.

Till Valhalla Semper Fi

Tributes

JOSIE wrote on Nov 3, 2017:

"LISA, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I AM SO HAPPY THAT I GOT A CHANCE TO BE WITH HIM THIS PAST WEEK. I WILL TREASURE THE TIME I SPENT WITH NICKY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. JOSIE & KRISSI"

Barbara Wright wrote on Nov 3, 2017:

"To Jackie & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers. "

Geraldine Rodrigues wrote on Nov 3, 2017:

"My deepest condolences during this very difficult time. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers."

Hope Piacente wrote on Nov 2, 2017:

"To Nicole and family, Our Deepest Condolences during this very difficult time. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Kathy Clarke wrote on Nov 2, 2017:

"Nicole - My thoughts and prayers are coming to you and your family. I wish Godspeed to your brother. I am sure he was welcomed by those who passed before him. No words can ever take away the pain. There is no time period that says "you will feel better". Just take it one second at a time, then one minute at a time, and then one day at a time. Always look for the "signs" that he is there (you will think you are crazy) and until you meet again, wish him well. Love ya Nic - Regards - Kathy Clarke"

paula monteiro wrote on Nov 2, 2017:

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Karen Russ wrote on Nov 2, 2017:

"Nicole and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. "

Sonia Sa wrote on Nov 2, 2017:

"To our dear family Lisa, Jack, Nicole and Jackie.....Our Deepest Condolences during this very difficult time. Nicky was such a kind and sweet soul. Always had a smile on his face and always ready to give a helping hand. We will miss him dearly and he will always be in our hearts..We love you all very much Victor and Sonia Sa"

Cathy Hewatt Heard wrote on Nov 1, 2017:

"Nicole and famiky, Words just cant express how sorry I am. He,was so sweet, fun, and handsome. Thank you angel for your services to our country and your smile to this world !"

Virginia Plaza wrote on Nov 1, 2017:

"My heart aches for all of you. Just know he is resting now at home with God and nit hurting anymore. I love you all. "

Catherine Pietropaolo wrote on Nov 1, 2017:

"My beautiful nephew. He had a heart of gold and gave the best hugs in the world. I am so proud of him. Nicholas served is country with honor and loved his family with his whole heart. I will always hold him in my heart and thoughts. Love him so much, Aunt Katie "