Nicholas Vito Angelastro

Nicholas Vito Angelastro February 1, 1931 - February 28, 2017 Nicholas Vito Angelastro, age 86, of St. Augustine passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Nick was one of six children, born and raised in the Bronx, NY to immigrant parents of Bari (Gravina), Italy, Vito and Giovanina (Jenny) PentimoneAngelastro. He spent most of his childhood playing stickball in the streets of New York City with his brothers and neighborhood buddies, many of whom he remained in contact with throughout his life. Having grown up in the Bronx, he was a passionate Yankees fan and did whatever he couldto watch them play. Some of his best stories were of him standing outside that magnificent stadium waiting to catch a fly ball, or finding a clever way to sneak in to see some of his favorites, like Mickey Mantle, play a game.His baseball card collection was one of his most prized possessions. Throughout high school he studied wood working and planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in carpentry. However, after high school he followed a different calling and served four years in the United States Army. During that time, he was stationed in Germany, which he loved and spoke fondly of always. Following his service in the Army, he worked for the sanitation department of New York before training to become a fireman for the New York City Fire Department,serving Engine 83/Ladder 29 in the Bronx. This wassomething that would define every aspect of the rest of his life in the greatest of ways. He put his heart and soul into his job as a fireman, and there was never a prouder man than himto serve the great city of New York. While working as a fireman he held various other odd jobs, including bartending, limousine service, and even moonlighted as a NYC taxi cab driver. He could be found occasionally helping his younger brothers, Mario and Luke, load trucks for A&P grocery stores.He eventually retired from the FDNY in 1975, and took a job working for the Franklin D. Roosevelt VA Hospital Fire Department in Montrose, NY for the next 10 years. Following this he spent most of his time volunteering for the Cataract Engine and Hose Company of Goshen, NY. He lovedbilliards, poker, bowling and playing softball with his fellow fireman, as well as participating in the annual fireman’s picnic activities in Goshen.Many days he could be found hanging out at the firehouse, whipping up a pot of his homemade spaghetti sauce, of which he was famous for, or visiting friends within the village of Goshen. Nick was also a loyal animal lover, and never could turn his back on a stray. It was not surprising for him to arrive home after a long night of work with a rescued pet by his side. This pattern continued throughout his life, and everywhere he went he always managed to find a homeless pet to welcome into his heart and home. Nick eventually fully retired, moving with his wife, Gale, and youngest children to St. Augustine, FL in 1986. Here, he could enjoy many of his other past times, like fishing, swimming, and playing cards and shooting pool with his buddies at the Riverview club in St. Augustine Shores. He also loved working in his yard, tending to his many gardens and flowers, as well as his beautiful fig tree. However, most days he could be found in his easy chair, with a dog or cat on his lap, watching baseball, an old classic movie, or reading up on his favorite subject, history. Spending time with his family though, was the most important thing to him. More than anything, he loved to be around his children and grandchildren. Supporting them, loving them, and watching them grow meant the world to him. He would do anything for his family. Nick was preceded in death by,his parents, Vito and Jenny (Pentimone)Angelastro; brothers, Mike Angelastro, and Luke Angelastro; sisters, Nina Angelastro, and Mary Hosking. Survivors include, his wife of 42 years, Gale Angelastro; brother, Mario (Norma) Angelastro; children, Jeanne (Michael) Sarnacki, Robert (Joy) Angelastro, Amy Anthony, Dawn (Wayne) Outman, and Ann (Casey) Parker; grandchildren, Elliot, Frances, Jordan, Nicholas, David, Wade, Wesley, Lucy, and Jacob; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at the Chapel of St. Johns Family Funeral Home in St. Augustine on March 13,2017 at 10:00 a.m. Military honors and interment will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. following the service. Dick Talbert will be officiating the services. Arrangements are under the care of St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory.