"My Brother Nat - I love you! My heart is aching, but I know you are in heaven with Mommy, Daddy and Mecca. I have wonderful memories of you. You will be missed. One day, we will all be together again."
On January 26, 2009 Nat A. (Natale) Ciccone, of Esopus , New York passed away at Benedictine Hospital, in Kingston, New York after a long battle with cancer
Nat was born in White Plains, New York on February 11, 1946
He graduated from White Plains High School in 1965, and from the University of Baltimore with a BA Degree and a Masters Degree from Fairfield University
He taught math at Margaretville School and retired in 2001
Nat was a huge NY sports enthusiast, playing football and wrestling in high school, he coached wrestling at Margaretville and coached his daughters in Port Ewen Athletic Association local sports. He loved playing badminton, tennis and table tennis and enjoyed collecting antiques and memorabilia
Nat was a member of the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church
He is predeceased by his mother and father, Frank and Rose Ciccone of White Plains, and his younger sister, Domenica Dominguez of Thornwood , NY and brother in law Larry Giles of Nashua, NH
He leaves his loving family, wife Amy Occhipinti, and daughters Cara and Lisa, who attend SUNY Ulster and Kingston High School respectfully, brother Santo of Southport, CT, sister-in-law Jeanne, niece Denise and Keith Gambino of Redding, CT and family; sister Catherine and Marc Dupuy of Baldwin Place, NY, nephew Marc Anthony; sister Domenicas children, Louis and Sue Dominguez of Thornwood, NY and family; Darlene and Juan Vazquez of Thornwood, NY and family; sister-in-law, Chris Giles of Nashua, NH, nephew Brett and Kristi Wiggins of Raleigh, NC and family; and niece Amy and Rob Page of Nashua, NH and family. Great nephews and nieces include Stephanie, Kyle, and Keeley Gambino, Michael and Anna Leon, John and Catherine Vazquez; Elle and Cade Wiggins; and Evelyn Page
Visitation will take place Thursday January 29th from 2-4, & 7-9PM, at Keyser Funeral Service, Inc., 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY..
A Memorial service will be held on Friday at 11AM, at the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, 151 West Main St., Port Ewen, NY
The family would like to thank all who have assisted them through their ordeal
We thank you for your love, support and prayers
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to
TheAmericanCancerSociety 95 Schwenk Drive Kingston, NY 12401
"My Brother Nat - I love you! My heart is aching, but I know you are in heaven with Mommy, Daddy and Mecca. I have wonderful memories of you. You will be missed. One day, we will all be together again."
"Nothing can take away the sadness you are feeling right now,but i hope and pray that in time peace will find a place in your heart.In my thoughts and prayers- Inez and Family"
"Dear Amy, Cara, and Lisa, I am sorry for your loss. Your Husband/Dad was a great man and I will never forget him. He was a leader and my hero in extending kindness and caring to our community. My memories of Nat are all great and forever fruitful and I feel extremely honored and proud to have known such a friend. With Love, Bill, Ellen, Kris, Ashlee, and Kalin"
"Uncle Nat - You were a GREAT Uncle to me! Thank you for giving me all the Hess trucks for Christmas. I love you!"
"not just a brother but my oldest and best friend.he will be missed but never forgoten."
"We were both very grateful to have been in class with Mr. C. His love for teaching was phenomenal! We can't remember a day that Mr. C. didn't ask us how we were doing or what we were up to. He really was a people person. He will truly be missed. "
"Nat has touched our lives and so many others,he will be sorely missed.Always know Amy we are here for you,Cara and Lisa.Have comfort in noing he is finally at peace."
"Our Condolences to the Ciccone Family. Nat will always be in our Hearts. God Bless"
"Thinking back on all the memories I've had with Uncle Nat, I realize that he's been a part of my family my whole life. There are specific memories that come to mind - acting out "Jethro and Billy Bob" which led to us figuring a way to climb OVER a chain fence instead of just walking around it.; Giving high-fives when you had a good comeback on somebody; Someone who was passionate about NY sports, yet I could have a rational Yankees/Red Sox conversation with; I'll always remember walking in the woods of the Catskills with Uncle Nat and suki .. there was also those old train tracks and river we would go to skip rocks and just enjoy being outside - I could have done that for hours. There are plenty other memories that swirl around in my mind as well, but the overall feeling I have when I think of Uncle Nat is the unfiltered Love that he always put forth. He always listened, he was always so supportive, and always so loving. He is one of my favorite people that has touched my life in this world. I remember him always reminding me that you have to be happy in life - you have to do what's right for you and what makes you happy. No doubt one of the building blocks that makes me who I am today. I will miss him dearly, but I will never forget the love that he had for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now. Love, Brett"
" Mr.C was one of those people that nobody said anything bad about. Having him as a Wrestling coach back in 81 & 82 brings back fond memories of a man that loved teaching us "all the moves". Thank you Mr.C for all the laughs and instructions. Bob"
""Uncle" Nat was such a warm, super-cool man and we will remember him fondly. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you, his loved ones."
"Nat - Thank you for being such a wonderful Brother-in-Law. I will have great memories of you."
"We will miss your encourgement, kindness, smile, and laughter. We have a lot of wonderful memories with you and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for always being the uncle who was there for me when I was growing up as well as being there for all of the special milestones in my life. You meant a lot to us and your love will be in our hearts forever. Love, Rob, Amy & Evelyn"
"REST IN PEACE, AND GOD BLESS..."
"I have so many memories of Nat. The many Super Bowl/Playoff Sunday parties that were at Nat & Amys, the many tubing parties at their home. The famous bike race every Spring, the seafood feast, and on and on! Nat was always looking to help out any kid he could. I remember him starting the wrestling team in Margaretville, because there were boys who weren't playing the other sports, he wanted to offer wrestling for them. I will miss the big guy slapping 5, and the backward 5, and especially his laugh. May God bless you and the Girls Amy, as I know he has Nat sitting real close to him in Heaven! Jim"
"To Amy and Family: I would like to give my condolences to you. I am sorry that I could not be there. Amy, you are a great strong person and you will be ok. I love you! "
"Mr. "C" was my 8th grade math teacher for the 1979-80 school year. Mr. C was always sharing stories about his two daughters Kara and Lisa like any proud parent would.He was one of the most caring people I ever met. To my good fortune we remained friends ever since and he was able to go on and teach me a little bit more about life, family and the big picture. I will never forget his advice that was so simply put. He said, " Life is too short Sue to hold onto the bad things. Let it go, forgive and move on." I did just that and had no regrets thanks to Nat. I've met few people of such strong character. That's what I'll miss the most about Mr. C. "
"Mr. C was a great role model at MCS and made school fun. He will be truly missed by all who new him, he was a true light in the world. I pray for comfort and great memories for his wife and daughters. "
"I have so many wonderful memories of all the fun times with Nat and Amy. I will miss his sense of humor,gentle warmth and his easy-going way. Nat touched so many people's lives and has made us all better people for knowing him. We love you, Nat. Rest in peace."
"My husband and I didnt know Nat long however he was always very kind to us. For a short time my husband Jimmy helped Nat deliver water locally. I am very sorry for the loss of such a good person."
"Amy, Cara and Lisa - we are so sorry for your loss. Nat was an amazing man. So caring and generous, and never without a smile. He will certainly be missed, but will remain in our hearts forever. Dave, Christina and Noelle"
"I will always remember the great times we had from days at Eastview and WPHS. I will remember your crazy sense of humor and our long walks home from the HS after football practice.(Wahoo #55) Playing pool in Milt's, you, me, and Larry, when we were suppose to be going to church on Sundays. The best was when we would try to win some money at John Sullivan's house, so we could go out on Sat. nights. I'm sorry that we lost touch with each other after high school. I know I will miss you very much, but I Will Never Forget You! Love to you and your family! Tom "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so sorry but know that you will find peace in knowing Nat's struggle is complete. Love and many hugs"
"I'll always remember the good times. We'll miss you. May God hold you in the palm of his hand, until we meet again."
"I taught with Nat for many years at MCS. My fondest memories will always be teaming up with him for the lunch time taps tournaments, where we shot foul shots and competed against the students. He nicknamed us the "dream team". When we would win, he would strut and yell out "Who's Next?" He was a true educator, always doing what he could for the benefit of the students. He touched many students and peers while here in Margaretville and his ever present smile will be truly missed. My wife Barbara and I know that he is in good hands now and we will always have our fond memories of our time with him. Our prayers will be with his family and thank them for sharing him with us for all of those years. "
"I am sorry to hear of your loss, Nat was a great person to work with when I helped my dad in PEAA and I know he was a great influence to my sister. It will be a great loss to the young kids of this community not to have Nat around - but more than that, I can only imagine based on how he was outside of the home, how he was with his family. I hope you all have the strength to pull through this together, hand in hand. Your relationships are more important than ever."
"He was one great person and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Even though we didn't see him that often, Nat always made family gatherings that much nicer. We will miss him."
"I wish I would have stayed in touch and I'm sorry I didn't sit down and talk more at Peter's wedding. I'll always remeber Nat and how nice he was to me as a little kid. I especially remember the plastic army men I used to play with. I remember the house next to the esophus river with the railroad tracks and tubing down the river. I had so much fun. I think, in some way a piece of Nat and the Catskills rubbed off on me and will always stay with me. My condolences, Jeremy"
"Our heart goes out to the Ciccone family in these difficult times. The love that binds you to Nat as a family is stronger than death. Natale, what a great name for a great guy! His name is a celebration of birth. Nat's life is the celebration of a man, a friend, a brother, a father, an uncle, a teacher, a husband, a loving fellow. We love you Nat and we miss you. Wait for us. We will meet again."
"Thinking back ive known my Uncle Nat for my whole life. We picked fruits and went to shops and got candy and treats! I remember him always smiling and sitting on his light brown couch watching a game or as he and my grandpa the "amazing Yankees" I will miss him and always remember him of all the good times we had together as a family"
"Nat was my brother-in-law and I have many loving memories of him as a part of our family. He was wonderful to my children when they were little and so appreciated them and shared with them their happiness and successes as they grew older and started families of their own. He was really devoted to his daughters, Cara and Lisa, and I hope as time passes they will be able to remember all the good times they had with him and forgot some of the difficult recent times. We will always miss him and forever love him - he will never be forgotten"
"Mr. C coached me in PEAA basketball for many years and it was truly a pleasure. I'll never forget looking over on the sidelines and see him chewing his gum and looking at the clock to see how much time was left. He was the best coach I have ever had and I will never forget him. My sincere sympathy to Amy, Cara, and Lisa. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Shana Barnes and Family"
"Nat was one of my fathers best freinds. And i remeber him from a very young age. I was truley touched that he was able to attend our wedding last July. May you rest in peace Nat. Love Pete & Danielle"
"Dear Amy and family, I didn't have the honor of meeting your dad/husband, but I work with Amy and just wanted to express my sincere heartfelt sympathy on your loss. I'm thinking of you Amy."
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ciccone. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile to share. I was lucky enough to have Cara in my 2nd grade class. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ciccone were very active, involved parents. Their two lovely daughters, who are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside, are shining examples of what wonderful people the Ciccones are. You will be greatly missed Mr. Ciccone but you will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone you knew and touched and in the beautiful smiles of your girls! God bless!"
"my heart is with you amy,, love always bruce"
"Amy, Cara and Lisa, You have my deepest sympathy. Nat was such a wonderful, gentle man. He will be missed by all that knew him."
"To start off, Nat was one of the strongest, funniest, and most caring people that I know. I remember how he always used to ride in the car with Lisa and me when she brought me home from 9th period. I could tell he was sick then, but he always had a smile on his face. That's what I loved about him, always smiling and always making other people happy. I consider myself blessed to have known Nat and to have been a part of his amazing life. You never gave up, Nat, and that is what I look up to you the most for. I love you."
"Remembering Nat will be easy. He will always stand out in our minds as an easy- going, strong, and brave man. Thinking of him and his struggles will be the hardest part. We were sorry to hear of his passing, Amy, Cara, and Lisa. Our love to all of you. Nancy, Kevin, Kristin & Amy. "
"Nat you will missed by all. You set High example as a person that we should all try to live up to. I will never forget that voice telling me "its only a game, calm down and have fun". Rest in peace and my prayers go out for you and your family."
"I will always remember the first time I met Nat when I was picking up Cara to go to a Yankee game. He came barrelling down the driveway to greet me with a wonderful smile and a very large hug and made me feel as if I knew him forever and yes, I wanted too. His legacy will always be his two wonderful loving, caring daughters. He absolutely glowed when he spoke of them and deservingly so. He will be sorely missed by all."
"Nat, I miss you and your wonderful smile. We had over 35 years together and i think there was only one time when you raised your voice to me. that is incredible. not much fighting in our marriage just disagreements. you were a wonderful husband and the best dad ever to cara and lisa. you have given them a good foundation and taught them to love and accept people for who they are, always find the good in people and take time to listen to others. what will we do without you? the only thing that has helped me through this is that you are not suffering and in pain anymore. that was breaking my heart to see you suffering. i hope you are in peace now. we will be ok with our loving friends, family, neighbors, and community looking out for us. You will be with us everyday to keep us strong. Nat, you are a very special person and have touched so many lives and i am proud to say i am your wife - that will be in my heart forever. Save a place for me in heaven and when it is my time, I will be with you again. love with all my heart amy"
"I attended White Plains High with Nat in the 60's. Though we were not the closest buddies, Nat was always kind and friendly to all. I was fortunate to visit with Nat and some old chums in December and we enjoyed a warm farewell - following the visit, I sent him this prayer: Deep peace of the running wave to you Deep peace of the flowing air to you Deep peace of the quiet earth to you Deep peace of the shining stars to you Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you. Amen"
"I first met Nat at our children's' soccer game, when they were in grade school. I can still picture him that day with a big smile on his face. I have been fortunate to have been friends with him ever since, mostly though youth sports. I looked up a few pictures I have of Nat, coaching and reffing basketball games. Guess what. He always had that big smile. Nat has been such a positive influence on so many people. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten. Amy, Cara, and Lisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Scott, Toni, Richard, Christopher, Marie, & Brittany "
"Amy, Girls, and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your girls, and all of your family. "
"Amy,Cara & Lisa, Our hearts go out to you and your family, Nat was a wonderful man and he will be missed by many. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Please if there is anything you ever need please let us know. "
"All of our love and support go out to Amy and the girls as well as all of Nat's family. Nat was one of a kind and he will be missed by all who have had the great pleasure of knowing him. The only comfort is knowing that Nat is in good hands now. Adrian, Kathy and family. (Sue and Lou's Uncle and Aunt)"
"A funny, caring and wonderful teacher who knew his apples just by looking at the bottoms...drank chocolate milk mixed with white milk,and had a terrific sense of humor. It was an honor to teach with Nat my 17 years at Margaretville. Mr. C will be fondly remembered all those whose lives he touched. "
"I will always remember Nat as a true gentleman and someone who had great respect for all those around him. He was a very selfless man that strived to make things better. Nat was more than willing to donate his time for the community, especially the children and always with that trademark smile. It was a pleasure to share his company. May God grant Nat eternal peace and bless his family during this difficult time. "
"Nat, Thanks you for always having a kind word, and for asking first about my children. You were truly a good man, and will be missed by all. "
"My Uncle Nat was a very special person. He was the most kindest and gentlest person I have ever known. I'd be here all day if I jot down all the wonderful memories I have of my Uncle. But to name a few, weekend camping trips with Uncle Nat and Aunt Amy (can't tell you how long ago that was, then you'll know how old I am), outdoor adventures with Suki (my favorite hairy cousin), his yummy Sunday breakfast (i feel my heart clogging as I speak), he was my confirmation sponsor and his famous calamari he made for Christmas Eve. But what is keeping me going through this difficult time is the mental picture I have in bedded in my head of my uncles infectious laugh and smile. Rest in peace Uncle Nat. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you. Denise"
"My thoughts and prayers on your loss. There is so much to say about Mr.C (the dream team) He was my 7-8 grade math teacher and one who I will never forget. I always looked up to Mr. C. He always brought a smile to our faces no matter what was going on. I will never forget the time he had a horrible accident on his way to school to teach. He was laid up for quite a while and we had to put up with subs for so long. It finally got to the point where our class ( class of 91) rebeled and said we will no longer do what the sub says. We want Mr. C back. We fought everyone even Mrs Kerns to get our beloved teacher back. I had lost contact with him for a bit but when I was in the NY area either home on leave from the navy or just up to visit since getting out I always made a point to visit him. He was a great inspiration to me. He always was there to talk to and get some great advice on life. He will be truly missed. Mr.C keep the dream team alive and I will be there when God calls. Till then good friend you are missed and will always be on my mind."
"Nat was a wonderful man and a terrific neighbor. I will always remember his kindness and his smile. I am very sorry for your loss Amy, Cara and Lisa. You will be in my prayers."
"Mr C. Youve always been one of the greatest memories of MCS I had. Teaching with you was an honor an privilege. You always saw the good in everyone. For that you are in God's hands waiting for us... God bless you and your family."
"We have known Nat, Amy, Cara and Lisa for many years, as members of our church and our community, and as good friends. Nat was such a friendly, kind, honest and hardworking man, with such a positive outlook on life, and always a smile. He was a wonderful basketball coach for Jackie in PEAA. Nat will be missed by so many. Amy, Cara and Lisa, we are sorry for your loss. May God hold you through this difficult time."
"My heart goes out to you, Amy (and your girls). My deepest sympathies to you all. Remember all the good and fun times you had with Nat (and your dad), for those will be what gets you through this difficult time. My prayers and love to you... "
"Amy, we will always remember going to all the KHS volleyball games & seeing you and Nat & the 3 guys sitting together(bill,Jim,Nat). They always had a great time. Nat will always be remembered by all who met him. I hope all the good memories help you & the girls get though this tough time. We are keeping you all close in thought. Deb, Bill, Nicole, Chris Brinkman"
"Our sincere condolences to Amy, Cara, Lisa, Santo and Cathy for their loss. Nat will be greatly missed by so many people, he had touched so many hearts! He was a wonderful and caring man to his family and friends. Nat had an aura about him and his smile radiated from the heart. He left our world too soon but God has a mission for him in the next. Our hearts go out to Amy and the girls."
"Amy, Cara, and Lisa I feel so fortunate to have known Nat. Always wearing that kind warm smile, having a true desire to make things better. In watching him coach Softball and BB he always encouraged his players. He left nothing but positive impressions on them and those around. I wish you peace in this trying time. Roger,Wendy, and Katie"
"So sorry for your loss Amy, Lisa & Cara, But thank God he's in a better place and not suffering any more. We will always think of him fondly and our visits when we lived in Esopus. We still have the picture of the barn at Villa Valli that he took. Love, Mary & Karl"
"We feel blessed to have known Nat, and we will miss his friendship. We send you our love and know that he is in God's loving hands, it doesn't ease the pain at this time, but you girls have had a wonderful father who loved you. We love you, grieve with you and celebrate Nat's life. All our love to all of you!"
"Amy,Cara and Lisa our whole family is sadded by Nats passing,We all loved Nat.When I joined peaa Nat was always the first to say hello and make you feel like you knew him your whole life.Then there were all the games we coached against each other with our girls playing,he was always so fired up and him and Kelly always had a blast.Doug jr. and the boys got to know Nat when he reffed us and they all enjoyed being around him.We will all miss Nat,he was one of the nicest guys we will ever know, Doug ,Leslie,Doug jr. Kelly "
"So sorry for your loss. We remember him for all the hours of volunteer time he spent coaching and officiating PEAA basketball games. He was a fair and friendly face every week and will be surely missed. The Melville Family"
"Happy Birthday Daddy! I miss you so much, you have no idea. I miss collecting hot wheels and playing catch outside and i hate to admit it but I actually enjoyed all of your talk about berries. Nothing is the same without you and it never will be. Everything I see and do happens to remind me of you. I especially miss our talks but I know you can still hear me. It is going to be tough but I will get through it for you. I love you with all of my heart. love, leelee"
"I'll always cherish the many the many memories & friendship Nat & I shared. From WP to Boston then the Carskills. Especially the latest one when he made it a point to attend my son Peter's wedding inspite of all he was going through. Let us not forget how tubing started on the Esophus and how proud he was of Cara & Lisa. May you rest in peace. Love ya."
"Nat was a gentle man devoted to his family. His warmth and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you, Amy, Cara & Lisa, now and in the days to come. "
"Dear Amy, Cara and Lisa, Your husband(dad)was a very special person in my life. He was the one that supported my ex-husband, Tom Baker during the same ordeal. Nat could make anyone laugh even when he might not feel like laughing. I am so lucky to have him as a friend. Peace be with you, Ruth"
"It was a true honor to know Mr. "C" and have had him as a teacher. He was a very special person and the MCS students were blessed to have him as a teacher. He touched many, many lives as a friend, father, and teacher. He will be greatly missed. "
"We will remember Nat from softball in Fleischmanns many, many moons ago-the fun and games in the halls of MCS-the many pictures and posters that Nat would frantically run through the halls and tear from the walls-him making 3 girls who weren't so great in math feel a lot better about themselves-but most of all, his warm smile and his great heart. He'll be missed. Scott, Claudia and the girls"
"Amy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. May the many wonderful memories that you have, help you as you grieve. Most Sincerely, Carolyn"
"Nat was my neighbor and friend and I remember when he and Amy first moved into the house on Parker Avenue. Esopus having a population at the time under 200, a new family in the neighborhood was a big deal. One of the things that I remember distinctly about Nat was that the first time we met, he talked me like an adult and really listened to what I had to say. Perhaps this was part of being a teacher, but he instantly won my respect. I did odd jobs for Nat and Amy occasionally as a teen and I always enjoyed seeing the latest antique acquisition that would be on display. Nat was a talented photographer and he encouraged me to pursue my photography hobby which I eventually made my career. One of Nat's lovely barn photos hangs on a wall in my parents home to this day. They say some people can light up a room, well Nat really had that natural ability, his warm personality was contagious and I can not remember him without a smile on his face and a kind word to say. I am very proud to count Nat Ciccone as one of my friends, and I will remember him very fondly. My deepest sympathies to Amy, Cara, Lisa and the family. Jeffrey Glotzl"
"no one will ever be able to take your place, daddy. I have an empty spot in my heart now,but thinking of your amazing smile and (not so funny)jokes always makes me feel better. Im going to miss you everyday. I love you daddy"
"Too many good memeries to mention, he will live on in my heart. We had great times together."
"I prayed that when it was time, God would take Nat to heaven in total peace - and He did! I continue to pray for Amy, Cara, Lisa, Santo, and my very dear friend, Cathy, that they will also have peace in knowing that we will all be together again one day. It has been a blessing to me to be a part of the Ciccone family for the past 36 years. IT IS A FAMILY FILLED WITH LOVE! "
"Nat will be missed by many. He was a great guy who always had a kind word. We will think of you when we make our maple syrup this year Nat, sorry you won't be here to enjoy it."
"Dear Uncle Nat, I hope you can read these so that you can get a glimpse of just how much I miss you already. I know you are in a much better place but I can't stop thinking of all the good times we shared-- most of them on Christmas Eve--I just wish you were going to be here for many more to come.. All of us in the Gambino home will be thinking of you today and every one left... We love you Uncle Nat, Aunt Amy, Cara and Lisa. We will miss you dearly. Love Steph"
"Dear Amy, Cara, and Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss him. I was in my car on Monday night traveling to CT when Jeff called and gave me the news. I cryed a bit and then a smile came across my face when I thought of all the good times we had together and yacking we used to do on the phone. God has a basketball program that he needs Nat to run for him! Love,...Chris,Maureen,Jon,and Courtney"
"Thank God for Nat Ciccone, or as we've come to know him, Mr. C. Thank God he decided to make the long trip to Margaretville each day to share his passion of teaching. My words cannot express how grateful we are to have known him. He will be missed."