Nicola Pastena of Warwick, NY, (formerly of Riverhead, NY) passed away on March 15, 2018 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center, Middletown, NY.  He was 89 years old.

Nicola was born October 28, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to parents Carmine and Maria (LaVeglia) Pastena.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Nicola was a short man of great stature. He lived a very colorful life. He loved many and was loved by many. He took great joy in cooking for his family; he was quite the chef and truly loved making a fuss (and a mess) and using his fresh tomatoes from his garden. He took great pleasure in music and dancing. He was passionate about his favorite teams: Dodgers, Mets, Giants and Rangers. He also liked to play the ponies.

Nicola is survived by his children, Rosemary Bergman and husband Steven of Wellington, FL, Michele McGrath and husband Michael of Middletown, NY, Barbara Gronowski and husband Mickey of Commack, NY, and Diane Matula and husband John of Kearney, MO; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Carmine Pastena, and a longtime partner, Catherine Matula.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen RC Church, 75 Sanfordville Road, Warwick, NY with interment at Warwick Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nicola’s memory to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060.