My heart goes out to Nick’s family and the many people who knew and loved Nick.

I met Nick in 2008 through Ithaca cross country. That summer, a small group of us would meet at the high school for training runs. Though only a rising freshman at the time, he kept pace with the upperclassmen and kept everybody laughing the whole time.

Over time, Nick became a true friend to me. I was on the shy side at that age, but I was always happy to be with Nick, because he had a gift for making people feel comfortable. Life was so much better knowing that I’d see him every day in the hallways and run with him after school.

Like many of us, I’m still struggling to wrap my head around the reality that Nick is gone. What I would give now to have one last conversation with him.

By eighth grade, before I had even met Nick, I had heard of him as one of “the cool kids”—perhaps *the* cool kid—of Boynton. I was intimidated by his popularity and doubted we would ever be friends. The next year, at IHS, thanks largely to Jory, I met Nick and quickly realized what all the fuss was about—that he was one of the most enchanting, hilarious, warm-hearted, clever, special people I’d ever met. I remember how excited, honored, and undeserving I felt when I realized we were becoming friends, good friends. I remember my first time in his home on Maple Ave, meeting Fabian way before he would become my brother’s best friend. I remember how immensely Nick adored his little sister Chacha, and how much that touched me. 

Nick was a savant of both humor and charm. He was beyond magnetic. People loved being around him because they knew it was impossible to be in his presence for more than 3 minutes without laughing or smiling. He brought so much happiness to so many of us, and he loved doing so. I knew Nick for long enough to see that there was suffering inside him, but from the outside, most people never would have been able to tell, because Nick kept it inside, always bringing joy, fun, and laughter to others, as if he refused to burden them with negative thoughts. Nick was really strong, oddly wise, and extremely brave. He made us all into better people. 

Sending all my love and condolences to Nick’s family and other loved ones. I so wish I could be at the service in person tomorrow, but I’ll be there in spirit. And like all of us, I’ll be carrying Nick with me forever. ❤️

Nick was one of those people who made every single part of myself light up, whenever I interacted with him. Our connection was instantaneous — a friendship that I will never forget. To know Nick, was to love Nick.

I will miss him always.

Zoë 💜

Dear Karen, John, Fabian and Chacha,

We are saddened to learn of Nickolas's passing.  You must be devastated.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we send our love.

Steve & Pat Lucente