Nicolo Sanfilippo Obituary
Captain Nicolo "Nick" Sanfilippo, 93, Gloucester's oldest fisherman, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Nick was born in Palermo, Sicily, on April 2, 1932, the son of the late Dominic and Vincenza (Zizzo) Sanfilippo. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anna.
A proud fisherman, Nick learned to fish at the age of six alongside his father in Porticello, Sicily. He loved sharing stories of his childhood and his journey to America. As a young boy, Nick lived through the Allied invasion of Sicily during World War II, navigating war and poverty that instilled in him the grit, resilience, and survival skills he carried throughout his life.
As a teenager, Nick dreamed of a better future and began his journey to America as a merchant marine. When he stepped off the boat in Boston with just $10 in his pocket and the clothes on his back, he was determined to make America his home.
Through years of hard work and perseverance, Nick built a successful fishing business, eventually amassing a fleet of boats out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Yet his greatest achievement was marrying the love of his life, Anna. Together, Nick and Anna spent 60 years building a beautiful life in Gloucester, raising six children and cherishing many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nick was always the life of the party, known for his infectious laugh and his love of dancing and singing. He had a way of lifting everyone's spirits, encouraging those around him to embrace joy the way he did. His favorite reminder was simple but powerful: "Enjoy your life".
His greatest passion was fishing and being on the ocean. Nick was deeply proud of his journey and all that he accomplished. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him for his incredible stories and vibrant spirit, but we take great comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with Anna once again.
The family wishes to thank all the devoted caregivers who surrounded Nick with love and dignity in his final years.
Nick is survived by his six children. Son Dominic, wife Carol, and their three children, Analise (husband Jordan), Christina (husband Ryan) and Michael (wife Lexie); son Accursio, wife Susan, and their four children Nicole, Accursio jr. (wife Cate), Nina (husband Rob), and Leah; son Samuel, wife Jo-Ann, and their children Samantha and Nicolas; son Anthony (Nino), wife Rosalie, and their two daughters Gianna and Talia; son Joseph (companion Tiffany), and his children Sarah (husband Josh), James, and Julia and their mother Phyllis; daughter Enza,(husband Greg) and their children Annabella and Louis. And his many great grandchildren.
Five Brothers, Simone, Frank, Giuseppe, Nino, and John, and three sisters, Dora Giorlando, Maria D'Amico, and Giorlama Melodie and many nieces and nephews.
Nick's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in St. Ann's Church, 60 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, at 11a.m. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street Danvers MA, or online at caredimensions.org.
