Mr. Nicholas M. Papagno, 81, a resident of the St. Luke's Home in New Hartford, formerly of Deerfield, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the nursing home with his loving family by his side. Nicholas was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 4, 1933 the son on Nicolo and K. Clover (Rychwalski) Papagno. He was raised locally and was a graduate of Proctor High School. In Utica in 1958, Nicholas married Trudy Sterling a loving union of 55 years. For 38 years he was employed as a civil engineer with the NY State Department of Transportation retiring in 1991. Nicholas was a member of the Upstate McIntosh User Group, NY State Highway Engineers Association, a Parishioner of Our Lady of The Rosary Church in New Hartford and had a real passion for politics. Nick loved the United States of America, sunsets, his home on the top of the hill, clambakes, the pride and joy of his work; the route 12 project, the Brooklyn Dodgers, chocolate marshmallow bunnies, Taffy, the folk group, Celine Dion's singing, Apple computers, lightening storms, Sunday dinners with his family around the dining room table, and chocolate ice cream. The true pride and joy of his life was his family; his wife Trudy to whom he was totally devoted, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; in each he celebrated their unique talents and personalities, successes and limitless futures. They, along with his extended family loved their "Papa" and will miss him dearly. Mr. Papagno is survived by his beloved wife, Trudy; two daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Robert Zaykoski of Old Forge and Elizabeth and John Fary of Jackson, NJ; Steven and Colleen Pardi who were like a son and daughter to Nicholas; eight cherished grandchildren, Adam Zaykoski and his wife Jessalyn, Peter Zaykoski and Joy Rannels, Kyle Ostraszewski and Jackie Eiser, Nicole Ostraszewski, Matthew Ostraszewski, Anthony Fary, Emma Fary and Nicholas Pardi and his wife Lindsay; 3 great grandchildren, Zachary Zaykoski, Zia Zaykoski and Gianna Ostraszewski; sister-in-law, Johann Papagno as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Guy Papagno. Mr. Papagno's funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 10:00 at Our Lady of The Rosary Church, Burrstone Rd., New Hartford, where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. A Spring burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in N. Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Nick's memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of St. Luke's Home, Barton West; Their loving, compassionate care is so very much appreciated.