Nicholas Frank Carolla, 94, of 125 North Street in Hamden passed on quietly from this life on October 28, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Rocco and Maria Nista Carolla from Hamden, formerly of Castelpagano, Italy, and was a lifelong resident of the Highwood section of Hamden. Nick was the cherished father of Maria Anne Johnson of Northford, grandfather of Christopher Lee (Emma Nicole) Johnson of Guilford, Evan Michael Johnson of Old Saybrook, and Caitlin Elizabeth Johnson of Branford; great-grandfather of Connor Nicholas and Catalina Marie Johnson of Guilford; and uncle of Bernadette Uscilla, Lydia Kovi, Marie Sellers, Elizabeth Riccio, Nancy Price, Anthony Carolla, William Ierardi III, and Stephen Ierardi. He was predeceased by Billie (Angeline) Lucibella Carolla, his beloved wife of 45 years; sisters Jennie Pannone and Angie Santi, and brother Anthony Carolla.

Nick was a man of few words whose long life was centered around his family and his work. His quiet strength and humble character spoke louder than any words could possibly have, and he showed us every day what it is to be a truly good man. He was a World War II combat veteran and recipient of numerous honors including the Bronze Star and the Oak Leaf Cluster as part of the 102nd Infantry (Ozark) Division.

Nick's work ethic was legendary. He was a baker at Connecticut Donut in Mount Carmel and Frances Pastry Shop at the Hamden Plaza, and for 25 years before retirement was a foreman at Camco Fittings. For more than 30 years, he enjoyed a second job as a welder with his brother-in-law and dearest friend, Pete Santi.

There was no piece of equipment, mechanical problem, or broken toy that Nick could not fix, and no one in need of help who he ever turned away. Nick was an avid hunter, expert marksman, and a golfer. He had a magic touch with anything that grows, especially his tomatoes and rose bushes on North Street.

His loved ones are comforted by their many cherished memories of Papa and the enduring example he set of a life beautifully lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's Church in Hamden on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 10:30am, with calling hours at Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden from 8:30-10:00am. Burial will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park in Hamden.