Profile photo of Nicholas John Varriale

Nicholas John Varriale

JanJanuary 18th, 1957 MarMarch 17th, 2026
Nicholas John Varriale

The Life of Nick Varriale

Obituary

Nicholas John Varriale Sr., 69, of Islip, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Born on January 18, 1957, in Brooklyn, NY, he was a devoted husband to Sandra Varriale and a loving father to Jerome, Rachelle, Michael, and Nicholas Jr.

Nicholas spent many years navigating ongoing health challenges, having developed heart disease as a young father of four. He never allowed those obstacles to prevent him from providing for and loving his family. He found success in the technology field, with notable career achievements that included leading critical Y2K debugging efforts at the United Nations campus in Manhattan and contributing software used in advanced military aircraft systems with Northrop Grumman.

A lover of many genres of music, Nicholas especially enjoyed singing and was well known within the local Christian community for his captivating worship ministry, performing in church plays and Sunday services.
He found his greatest joy in his grandchildren. He spent countless hours drawing and coloring with them, playing cards, inventing games like bouncing quarters into a bucket, and filling the room with laughter. Even when he couldn’t quite hear the game, he would smile and ask, “Did you say an eight or an ace?”—to which the kids would joyfully shout back, “Ace, Pa!” Pa also enjoyed putting couch cushions all over the living room, having the kids bounce around to "JUMP". Those moments perfectly captured his warmth, humor, and deep love for his family.

Nicholas is survived by his wife Sandra; his children Jerome & Maria, Rachelle & Matthew, Michael & Jahnissi, Nicholas Jr. & Vanessa.; his grandchildren Soraya, Lydia, Daniel, Evelyn, Vincent, Benjamin, and Eleanor; his siblings Ralph, Francine, and Carl; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on May 31st, 2026. Details below. 

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What do you remember about Nick? 


May 31, 2026
My husband Al n i live in the same apartment complex as Nick n Sandy. We havent known them for a long time but we know that we would have become good friends🥰U would never know how sick Nick was cause he would sprint down the breezeway n always had a smile on his face n kind words to say. Always stopped to say hi n tlk with my Grandsons when we were outside. Condolences to Sandy n all his children n Family . So very sorry for ur loss n Rest in Peace Nick 🙏 Fondly Al n Joann Cerull
Joann Cer
May 30, 2026
Living in the same apartment complex as Sandy & Nick & only knowing them a couple yrs or so the times I ran into Nick he was always kind, cordial & down to earth. One day I was on my way out & he was getting out of his car, so I stopped to say hello & we spoke about 20 minutes. I found myself laughing hysterically & he was as well. It really was a memorable time because I realized that was the longest conversation we ever had, but not only was he genuinely sweet, he was funny & I was really happy that I had stopped & not driven by with just a wave. He had a big heart & was so generous & caring, I was so shocked & deeply saddened when I found out Nick had passed. Rest in Peace Nick ! Sandy was so Blessed to have had Such a wonderful man,
Husband father, grandfather etc by her side, and I pray for comfort, peace & strength for her to move forward in this very difficult time. Much Love your Friend Lisa. ❤️🙏🏻💚❌⭕️
Lisa Loviglio
May 27, 2026
My brother’s life was not always easy, but what made him extraordinary was the way he continued moving forward with strength, heart, and determination no matter what stood in his way.
As a teenager, he faced challenges and ridicule while working hard and trying to find his place in the world. Those experiences could have hardened him, but instead they shaped him into someone compassionate, resilient, and understanding of others. Because he knew struggle, he listened deeply, cared sincerely, and treated people with kindness.
One of the turning points in his life came when he found his church. That faith community changed his path and gave him purpose, belonging, and hope. Like many genuine and trusting people, there were times he was taken advantage of, but even through disappointment and hardship, his faith never wavered.
Through that journey, he found his voice — not only as a singer, but as a person. Music became part of how he expressed his heart, faith, and spirit, allowing others to see the warmth and beauty that had always been within him.
What impresses me most when I think about his life is the family he built and the father he became. Despite hardships, he and his wife Sandy worked tirelessly to raise four incredible children. Their character and strength reflect the love, sacrifice, and guidance Nick and Sandy gave them every day.
He was smart, hardworking, genuine, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He gave his best even when life was difficult, showing all of us what perseverance and grace truly look like.
His absence leaves an enormous void in our hearts, but his legacy lives on through his children, his family, his music, his faith, and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.
Finally, I’d like share a regret I still carry. With all of my brother’s talents, we never really explored what we could have done if we had the time to play together and record our music. Time vanishes before our eyes, so do those things you’ve always wanted to do while you still can.

Your loving brother,
Carl and family
Carl Varriale
May 27, 2026
When I think of Nicky, the first thing that comes to my mind is his beautiful voice. His voice has been a blessing throughout my life in the good times and in the bad times. I heard his voice for the first time in the beginnings of my Christianity in the basement church of Upper Room. His voice was at my baptism in Christ. His voice was at the first wedding I ever attended when he married my Aunt Sandy. His voice was in a time when he and Sandy lived with me at my parents Patty and Phil’s house. His voice blessed me at the Upper Room Christian School. His voice blessed me once again at my wedding to my husband, Louie. His voice helped me through the worst times in my life when I had to say goodbye to both my Mom and Dad. As you can see, he was a true blessing, not only with his voice, but a blessing when he spoke the word of God and when he was just my Uncle. He was instrumental throughout my whole life. He will be surely missed by every person he has touched in their lives and mine also. Rest in peace, Uncle, Nicky, and know that you made a difference in everyone’s lives. Love you always.
Missy, Louie & Louie Jr Viana
May 25, 2026
Nick was a great brother-in-law with me always. We really enjoyed watching hockey and football games together. Although he was not very happy with me getting his wife into tennis. One thing I can say about Nick is that he loved my sister unconditionally and that made me very happy. He always did whatever he could do to provide for his family. Whenever he spoke of his children or grandchildren it was with pure love and pride. Nick battled with many things in his life but knew and lived with the knowledge of who his God was and shared that with all he knew. He is truly missed, but we know he is rejoicing today and always. Love you Nick.

Penny Brown
Penny Brown
May 25, 2026
Nick was always that one-of-a-kind person! He loved the Lord with such reverent humility! He always would edify me and lift me up. He saw me with rose-colored-glasses and specificity towards the qualities instilled in me through faith in Jesus! Our conversations were deep about his faith and belief in our risen Savior! A beautiful soul who battled hard through many aliments but without waiving in his faith. What a voice that would move anyone in their soul. His gifts were indeed abundant. His knowledge of God's word astounded me. Never were any conversations or text messages short when it came to his faith! He came to see Tom and sang with his guitar beautifully and did not need any speakers as his voice was strong as well as anointed. I know Nick is dancing with many he ministered to seeking to save their souls through faith in Jesus. He surely is missed! I pray for his family to be consoled that his presence is not with us but rejoicing that he has risen from ashes into glory! Love, Bunny
Bunny Tormey
May 25, 2026
Nick was related to my Uncle Nicky, he was my Uncle sisters son, all the years at church who would have known, when he found out he was amazed! Fondest memories still have your cassettes See you on the other side Nick, Condolences to Sandy and his 4 children, Soon very soon we will be together rejoicing♥️🧡💜👑🙏🌿
JOSEPH D DEFABIO
May 22, 2026
We have known Nick and Sandy since 1982 when we began attending Upper Room Tabernacle.Nick was singing then with the band and choir. He often took center stage alone or joined by others like Ritchie Petrello or Phil Valentino. His voice was anointed and ushered in the presence & Glory of God.,Nick was more than a singer. Nick the man was humble and spirited and passionate. He shared the stories of his youth with us. He was small of stature and he was often given jobs which required getting into tight places. He laughed about his uncle that assigned him those jobs! But he was proud to be able to help his family out in any way. He had a strong work ethic. He lived his family fiercely. But he Lived God above all. He had the gift of teaching and service and humility. Nick could write! He kept in touch with us after we moved to Fl. He texted often and called sometimes.
We became pen pals and revived that old tradition. ! He would send long texts of biblical studies he completed or stories of his kids & grand kids. We shared heartaches and trials. When triumphs came we praised God together! Nick was faithful and true. He was an encourager. He had a sense of humor. He liked to tell the story of how he first met me ( Gina) . Pastor Hanby was visiting and needed a tie. Nick needed a ride & some help picking it out. So we ended up performing this simple but amusing task. We laughed & joked about many times!! God kept putting us together with Sandy & Nicole.. we parked right next to them in Disney one time & never knew they would be there. Imagine how surprised we all were to get out of the cars & see each other!! It just stuck. Our friendship stuck. Over the years through the trials we have had each other. We miss you Nick and we love you Sandy. See ya at the wedding feast of the Lamb Nick!
Gerson & Guna Beltran
May 19, 2026
I met Nick in 1977 at the Upper Room Church held in a basement.He was immediately very friendly and took me under his wing.Almost every Wednedsay ,he drove to me to Upper Room in Deer Park Long Island.
We had some great talks about God working in our lives,about our families etc.
Nick had a beautiful,powerful singing voice and always sang with passion and conviction.
We were teenagers and went to many events together,especially diners after service.
I aso knew Sandy from a young age and we were always over someone 's house as the families were very accommodating.
Nick's passion was not only in singing but he had a passion for people and their souls.
I had the privilege to be in Nick and Sandy' s Bridal party which was a great blessing to me.
He also had a strong character and showed kindness and mercy to others.
The time we spent together was probably from 1977 to 1987 however it left an impact on me.
Over the last 5 or so uear,we communicated through text messages which renewed our friendship.
I will miss him greatly.
Sal Arena
May 19, 2026
I remember his beautiful voice. Singing symphony of praise and o holy night. Sorry to hear that he passed so young.
Denise DeFabio
May 18, 2026
To my sweet , beautiful, kind heart ❤️, loving cousin. Your light and warmth and love will be sorely missed !
Ann Perlman
May 17, 2026
Wow, so many beautiful family moments! Just beautiful ! I will always remember Nicky belting out beautiful worship songs and Wow, what a voice. I know he is rejoicing as he worships his savior while dancing on streets of gold.
Kelly Brown

Service


A memorial service celebrating the life of Nick Varriale will be held with his family at the Dix Hills Evangelical Free Church.
Location
28 Foxhurst Rd, Huntington Station, NY 11746

Date/time
May 31st, 2026 at 3pm.
RSVP

In lieu of flowers:

To honor the life and memory of Nick, we invite you to contribute to a cause that reflected his heart and values. Through your generosity, their legacy of compassion and kindness will continue to impact the lives of others.

Please visit this link to Samaritan's Purse to make a donation: www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/nicholas-john-varriale-islip-terrace-ny
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