Nicola Louis Gentile

A Celebration of the Life of Nicola “Nick” Gentile

One of three children, and a first generation Italian immigrant, Nicola Louis Gentile was born on September 11, 1935 in Harlem, New York.

Raised and schooled in New York City, it was there Nick met the love of his life, Eileen Kinsey, at the local soda shop (the Sweet Shoppe the kids called it), in Yorkville, on the upper east side of Manhattan. They married in 1959 and had four children—Loretta, Linda, Mary, and Vincent.

In 1968, Nick and Eileen moved the family to Blue Point, Long Island to a cozy little summer bungalow on Edwards Lane that they soon expanded… and expanded, to accommodate the family.

A hardworking, proud public education graduate of City College, Nick received his degree in mechanical engineering and went to work as a draftsman for Dynell, Litcom, and Norden Systems, and as a mechanical design engineer for United Technologies and Northrup Grumman.

1994 to 2000 brought four beautiful grandchildren who he adored – Nicholas, Brendan, Mikhaela, and Harry Coles.

“Poppy” as he was known by his grandkids, loved sports. A lifelong Yankee fan, he served as captain and star pitcher of his company softball league, and coached a team at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. He was an avid runner who completed dozens of 5k and 10k races. A member of several bowling leagues at Patchogue Bowl, he became somewhat of a celebrity after bowling two perfect 300 games… in his 70’s!

Nick was awarded the title of “Mister Fix It” by his kids in 1976. A self-taught Jack-Of-All-Trades, whether it was an oil change or flat tire, maintaining the boiler, or tackling a plumbing or electrical issue, Nick kept the house and cars on Edwards Lane running smoothly. He was depression-era tough and thrifty. He taught his children to be independent and resourceful – if something broke, you didn’t throw it out, you fixed it. For relaxation it was mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or picking up acorns off the deck left behind by those dastardly squirrels.

Beloved Son, Husband, Dad, Poppy, Brother, Cousin, dear friend and neighbor, Nick Gentile was laid to rest in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Sayville, Long Island, along side his wife, Eileen and near his son, Vincent.