Nicola Pavone

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicola Pavone, lovingly known as Pop or Poppa. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family—his greatest joy—on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Long Beach, MS. Born on October 25, 1933, in Atri, Italy, to Riziero and Maria Serafini Pavone, Nick was blessed with a natural gift for fixing anything—especially anything with an engine. He spent most of his life as a mechanic and owned Mobil gas stations in Tuckahoe, NY, Mamaroneck, NY and Vernon, CT. His career wasn’t just a job, but a calling. Whether it was a car, tractor, or lawnmower, he could fix it and bring it back to life—often with a smile, a story, and a smudge of grease on his hard-working hands. Nicola was married to the love of his life, Elaine, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and simple joys. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, good food, and the kind of love that made everyone feel welcome. He found so much joy in the little things—a hearty plate of pasta (Bucatini was his favorite) and, of course, a glass of red wine (often with a splash of Sprite). When no one was looking, a splash of annisette in coffee accompanied by his favorite biscotti cookie would also make him smile. His happiest memories were spent at the farm in upstate New York, where he could be found tinkering with engines, collecting odds and ends and every nut and bolt he could find for those “just in case moments.” Occasionally, he would show up with a new farm animal because one of his grandchildren wished for one, most fondly remembered was baby bull, Mousalini. Everything Pop did at the farm was for his grandkids and the endless special memories they have of riding quads, cutting grass, picking blueberries or wildflowers, or playing Donkey Kong will last forever with Pop watching over from above. His life was one of kindness, humility, and devotion to those he loved. He taught his family the value of hard work, the beauty of simple things, and that love is best expressed through the things we do for one another. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit—gentle, strong, and endlessly loving—will live on in every engine that roars to life, every family meal shared, and every sweet memory cherished by those who knew, met, and loved him. He made friends everywhere he went. He will be truly missed by his loving daughter Marisa, who cared for him and shared many fun times and wonderful chats. He is survived by his children Marisa and Ernie LaRocca, Patricia Pavone, David Pavone, Joseph Pavone, and MaryAnn Edwards; his beloved grandchildren, especially Jeffrey and Brittany LaRocca, Nicole and William Harris, Katherine and Louis Elliott, Matthew LaRocca, and Patrice and Melissa Franco; and his great-grandchildren, who were his greatest joy—Sawyer LaRocca, Ella Elliott, Brooklyn Harris, Mason LaRocca, and Colt LaRocca—along with the many others he loved so deeply. He is also survived by his loving family in Italy, especially Eugenio Pavone and his family. The family would like to thank all the amazing people who helped Nick make his journey to heaven peacefully: Lena, Brandi, Kat, and St. Joseph Hospice. Have a glass of good wine and a hearty Italian meal with your loved ones in his memory. Services will be private, and he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Elaine. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.