Nicholas F. DeFelice, age 86, of Southington, CT., beloved husband of Doris Maule DeFelice, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2023. Big Nick was born in Derby on February 4, 1937, to Francis T. and Carolyn Cirillo DeFelice.
Nick is survived by his beloved wife Doris, his four children: Deborah, Landa, Scott, husband to Jacqui, and Nicholas L., husband to Karen, as well as thirteen cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Nick loved being a brother-in-law to Paul and Denise Maule and Dan and Sue Ahern. He was an incredibly proud uncle to Jay and Kristy.
Nick spent his childhood in Derby, and as a Red Raider in high school, he found his first love, football. Nick continued his studies at Southern CT, graduating with a BS in education in 1961 while pursuing his football career as an offensive Tackle and Captain of the team. After college, Nick started teaching at Hamden Hall, and he continued to play Semi-pro football with the Ansonia Knights and the Hartford Charter Oaks. During the summer of 1965, Nick was invited to the New York Jets training camp and made the team, # 71. Nick played as a Jet for two full seasons and was asked to return for a third but declined and came home to captain the Hartford Knights, allowing him to be closer to his family.
Nick continued to be an avid Jets fan for the rest of his life and valued all the friendships he made while playing. He especially enjoyed his lifelong friendship with another Jet rookie from 1965 who just happened to be a quarterback from the University of Alabama. Nick went on to help Joe coordinate his charitable endeavors and sat on the Board of Directors for Broadway Joe’s March of Dimes Celebrity Golf Classic fundraiser for many years.
After his playing days were over, Nick put the same amount of energy into his business career and family. Leveraging his celebrity as a professional athlete and his commitment to success, Nick started a Sales and Marketing company that he owned and operated for over 40 years. Oxford Industries focused on Industrial marketing to all the defense contractors in New England. Nick was incredibly proud of his relationships at Sikorsky Aircraft and always pointed out the parts of the helicopters that were manufactured by the companies he successfully represented. He traveled the world for work and created lasting friendships wherever he went.
Nick lived life to the fullest. He had a unique way of touching people and inspiring them to reach higher. While running his business, he found time and relished coaching football at Xavier High School with his best friend, Larry McHugh. Nick always looked forward to his monthly Thursday night gatherings with his Scungilli Brothers, where they celebrated their Italian heritage and friendship. He enjoyed playing golf at Racebrook Country Club with his gang and would occasionally admit that 19 was his best hole of the day.
Nick was an avid skier into his 80’s. He was always very well dressed and skied mountains in New England, out west, and Europe. Nick enjoyed fine dining and traveling with his wife, Doris. If he liked the places they visited, he sometimes purchased real estate on a whim. He loved holding court and telling stories while enjoying a cigar and a scotch with family or friends. The only way you could pick up a check when out with Nick was to secretly slide a credit card to the waiter before he realized what was happening. Nick loved his family and would proudly share details of their recent accomplishments with everyone. He was a true inspiration for living a robust and meaningful life.
Per his final request, services will be private.
Lastly, Nick adored children, and they would continually flock to him, somehow sensing his ‘gentle giant’ soul. With this in mind, his family humbly suggests honoring Nick by listening to ‘We’ll Meet Again” by Frank Sinatra and consider donating, in Nick’s memory to River Street School. Donations can be sent to Dr. Jay Maule, Director, River Street School, 601 River Street, Windsor, CT 06095. The Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of his arrangements. Share a memory and sign Nick’s guest book online at www.iovanne.com.
He was a class act all the way. May he rest in peace.
Big Nick DeFelice Jets # 71
