Nicola Fiornascente, 89, of Montclair, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Montclair. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove Street, Montclair.

Born on May 16, 1936, in Lacedonia, Italy, Nicola came to the United States at just 19 years old, leaving behind everything familiar to build a better future. He arrived with very little, but with determination, resilience, and a work ethic that never let up.

Nicola built a life from the ground up. He met and married Patricia (née De Rogatis), purchased a home, and devoted himself to providing for his family. He believed deeply in responsibility, perseverance, and earning what you have, and he lived those values every day.

A true "jack of all trades," Nicola was always working on something, fixing something, building something, or helping someone. He was known as a social, outgoing man who connected easily with people and showed up when he was needed. In many ways, service was his love language.

Nicola is survived by his children, Nicholas, Serafina (and her husband Pasquale Petrozza), and Patricia; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Tyler, and Julia Fiornascente; Ava and Zoe Petrozza and his great-grandson, Brandon.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (née De Rogatis), and by his grandson, Brandon.

Nicola's journey remains a testament to resilience, determination, and hard work. May he rest in peace, and may his family carry forward the lessons he lived.