Nick Clemenza

Nicholas Clemenza, 98, of Dexter, NM, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, September 25, 2016, following a short illness. Nick was born January 14, 1918, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Francesco Clemenza and Anna Mangione Clemenza. He and Elizabeth Jayne (Betty) Phillips were married December 2, 1944. She survives him at the family home. He is also survived by his children: Kay Trujillo and husband, Jake of Roswell, Nickie Kelly and husband, Rob of Odessa, TX, Tony Clemenza and wife, Julie of San Antonio, TX, Teri Joyce and husband, John of Arlington, TX, Chris Clemenza of Roswell, and Joe Clemenza and Leesa Chesser of Dexter; his grandchildren: Tony Joe Lucero, Christopher and April Clemenza, Jon Paul Clemenza, Danielle Clemenza and Colten Elder, Richard’s widow, Teresa Lucero Mason, Michael and Shelbie Thompson, and Jennifer and Billy Ragsdale; great-grandchildren: Jacob Lucero, Josh Lucero, Jarett Lucero, Adalyn Elder, Nicholas Clemenza, Evelyn Thompson-Ragsdale, Ryley Ragsdale, Logan Weingartener, and Jaxon Thompson; and numerous nephews and nieces. Nick was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Jim, Mike, Joe, Andy and John Clemenza; his sisters: Julia Zito and Frances Dionese; and his grandson, Richard Lucero. Words cannot express our appreciation to Sally Cartier, Nick’s caregiver, best friend and surrogate daughter. Her loving care was surpassed only by the amazing quality of life she provided for him. The many hours she spent conversing with him about his life, listening to his favorite music with him and motivating him to exercise by challenging him to contests were a true blessing. We extend a special thank you to the Gentiva Hospice employees whose expertise and kindness made it possible for him to be with us at home. Nick served as a Sgt. In the U.S. Army during WWII. His service as a guard at the POW camp at Orchard Park brought him to Dexter. He was a US Post Office employee for 28 years, serving as Postmaster for the last three years. He truly made Dexter his home with his involvement in the community, where he volunteered in many areas, including coaching and umpiring Little League and driving the bus to Roswell so Dexter children could take swimming lessons. He also was a charter member of the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department. He was devout member of the Catholic faith who was instrumental in the construction of the Dexter church, which was built mainly by parishioners. Nick drove the nuns from Roswell to Dexter each Sunday, serving along with his wife Betty as an adorer at the Adoration Chapel at Assumption Parish for 14 years and volunteering many other services to the church. Nick was an avid golfer for over 50 years, loved to play cards, and enjoyed traveling, especially the eight trips to Europe where twice his family was able to meet and spend time with his cousins in Sicily. But, his greatest joy was being surrounded by family, from the traditional Sunday dinners to the large family gatherings in Odessa for holidays and other celebrations. Nick sent monthly donations to a number of charities, so in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to your favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Assumption Catholic Church in Roswell, with interment in the church columbarium following the service. Military honors will be provided by the Roswell Honor Guard. Obituary was lovingly written by Nick’s family.

Nick Clemenza

January 14, 1918 - September 25, 2016