Obituary for Nicholas R. "Buddy" Cercone
Nicholas R. "Buddy" Cercone
Of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 at Lahey Clinic Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington at the age of 90.
Born on August 23, 1930 in Norwood; son of the late Louis Cercone and Louise (Potenza) Cercone; Nick was born, raised and educated in Walpole. In 1958, he married the love of his life Gloria P. DeMarco, moved to Waltham where they raised their family.
A graduate of Walpole High School Class of 1948, where he was a three-sport varsity athlete. Nick served proudly and honorably with the United States Marine Corps 5ht Marines, 1st Battalion Marine Division, 3rd Platoon Charlie Company during the Korean War. Nick was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and recipient of two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor. Nick was awarded the Bronze Star 46 years later on the deck of the USS Constitution, from four-star General Richard Neal. His award was the result of the efforts of a fellow Marine Pete McCloskey, who in researching for his book The Taking of Hill 610, came across Nick’s name for his numerous acts of heroism.
Nick never considered himself a hero saying, “I saw other acts of heroism on the hill that day that were far superior to anything I did.”
The quintessential salesman, Nick spent his life in sales, ending his career as a regional sales manager for Estimation inc. of Maryland.
An avid golfer, Nick was a member of the Wayland Inner Club at Wayland CC for over 60 years. A stone on the 7th tee, a 268 yard par 4, commemorates his crowning achievement making two hole-in-ones.
In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and listening to music. Nick had a strong faith in his God.
Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Gloria P. (DeMarco) Cercone; his loving & devoted children; Lynn Camelio of Miami, FL; Nicholas R. "Nicky" Cercone Jr. and his wife Suzanne (Trumbour) of Waltham; John Cercone of Waltham; Peter Cercone and his wife Cindy (LaForest) of Stow; Marc Cercone of Marlborough; and Cara Cercone and her life partner Tina Gentile of Marlborough; his cherished grandchildren Salvatore, Maria, Nicholas III, Zachary, Matthew, John Jr. "Jack", Bridget, Alexandra, Shaye, Jennifer, Emily and Lindsay; his adoring great grandchildren Isabelle, John "Jack", Hadley, and Taeo; and his dear sister Elizabeth "Betty Ann" Balboni of Medway. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and his extended family who loved him dearly. Dear brother of the late Louis "Sonny" Cercone Jr.
For the safety of those we love and care about during this difficult time; and for those who wish to pay their respects to Nick and his family can do so in accordance with CDC, Federal, State and Local guidelines in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, MA., on Monday Feb. 8th from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Following the Archdiocese of Boston guidelines, family & friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Nick's life and remember the love he shared with those he touched at a Funeral Mass at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. followed by his burial at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham with United States Marines Corps Honors in recognition of his faithful and honorable service to our country.
For those who can not be present you may view the service live streamed by going to harborviewvideo.com/brasco beginning on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Veteran’s Association.
Of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 at Lahey Clinic Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington at the age of 90.
Born on August 23, 1930 in Norwood; son of the late Louis Cercone and Louise (Potenza) Cercone; Nick was born, raised and educated in Walpole. In 1958, he married the love of his life Gloria P. DeMarco, moved to Waltham where they raised their family.
A graduate of Walpole High School Class of 1948, where he was a three-sport varsity athlete. Nick served proudly and honorably with the United States Marine Corps 5ht Marines, 1st Battalion Marine Division, 3rd Platoon Charlie Company during the Korean War. Nick was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and recipient of two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor. Nick was awarded the Bronze Star 46 years later on the deck of the USS Constitution, from four-star General Richard Neal. His award was the result of the efforts of a fellow Marine Pete McCloskey, who in researching for his book The Taking of Hill 610, came across Nick’s name for his numerous acts of heroism.
Nick never considered himself a hero saying, “I saw other acts of heroism on the hill that day that were far superior to anything I did.”
The quintessential salesman, Nick spent his life in sales, ending his career as a regional sales manager for Estimation inc. of Maryland.
An avid golfer, Nick was a member of the Wayland Inner Club at Wayland CC for over 60 years. A stone on the 7th tee, a 268 yard par 4, commemorates his crowning achievement making two hole-in-ones.
In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and listening to music. Nick had a strong faith in his God.
Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Gloria P. (DeMarco) Cercone; his loving & devoted children; Lynn Camelio of Miami, FL; Nicholas R. "Nicky" Cercone Jr. and his wife Suzanne (Trumbour) of Waltham; John Cercone of Waltham; Peter Cercone and his wife Cindy (LaForest) of Stow; Marc Cercone of Marlborough; and Cara Cercone and her life partner Tina Gentile of Marlborough; his cherished grandchildren Salvatore, Maria, Nicholas III, Zachary, Matthew, John Jr. "Jack", Bridget, Alexandra, Shaye, Jennifer, Emily and Lindsay; his adoring great grandchildren Isabelle, John "Jack", Hadley, and Taeo; and his dear sister Elizabeth "Betty Ann" Balboni of Medway. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and his extended family who loved him dearly. Dear brother of the late Louis "Sonny" Cercone Jr.
For the safety of those we love and care about during this difficult time; and for those who wish to pay their respects to Nick and his family can do so in accordance with CDC, Federal, State and Local guidelines in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, MA., on Monday Feb. 8th from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Following the Archdiocese of Boston guidelines, family & friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Nick's life and remember the love he shared with those he touched at a Funeral Mass at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. followed by his burial at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham with United States Marines Corps Honors in recognition of his faithful and honorable service to our country.
For those who can not be present you may view the service live streamed by going to harborviewvideo.com/brasco beginning on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Veteran’s Association.