Industry stalwart, Nicholas Racanelli, Jr., dies at 58.

Nicholas Racanelli Jr. a prominent member of the Long Island real estate development and construction industry, died August 3, 2005 of complications following heart transplant surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He was 58.

As a principal partner of N. Racanelli Associates and its affiliated companies, Mr. Racanelli was instrumental in the company's development of over 1,000 acres of industrial and commercial property and the construction of more than 200 buildings, totaling in excess of 13 million square feet. He also had extensive experience in the ownership and management of such properties.

Most recently, he headed up Nicholas Racanelli Construction, LLC (Commack, NY) and was continuing to serve the region's manufacturers, distributors, medical firms and major retailers.

However, while development and construction clearly ran through his blood, as a second generation member of the Racanelli family, he was as much known for his warm and engaging personality, his love of people and life, and the vitality he brought to it as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dedicated martial arts teacher.

According to his brother, John Racanelli, Esq., of Oyster Bay, "Nick was loved and respected by all with whom he dealt. His determination and perseverance in the face of a litany of physical problems over the past 25 years only enhanced his stature among those whom he knew and knew of him."

His sons Nicholas, David, Damian, and Matthew all spoke about their father's passion for life which was overshadowed only by his greater passion for people. "My father had a genuine love of people," said his son Nicholas. "He cared so much about others that he studied different foreign languages including Italian, Spanish and Japanese, so that he could talk to people of different backgrounds in their own language. Our father was a great believer in the importance of family. It was his strongest wish that his four sons always care for each other and to let nothing come between them."

Nick's passion for life extended to his love of the Martial Arts. He was a 7th Degree Black Belt, having earned the prestigious title in Okinawa, Japan in 2002. He shared his love of the Matsubayashi-ryu Okinawan-style of karate with his students at Bunbokan, the school he founded and located in Ft. Salonga.

When Nicholas and daughter-in-law, Andrea, blessed Nick with his first grandchild in February of 2004 he was thrilled. He often spoke of Gianna Rose's "beautiful spirit and smile." A day before his passing, Nick's response to a complement regarding his smile was, "It is nothing compared to my granddaughter's smile. This past February on Gianna's first birthday, Nick was very ill, but still took the time to write his granddaughter a special letter. In Gianna's birthday letter, he wrote, "The important thing is to find something you love and practice it with passion. Whatever that may be, give it your all and you will always be happy. But remember one thing, every one needs a PRACTICE. Love Grandpa." Nick's love and devotion for his wife Corinne was equally expressed through her deep commitment and support throughout their relationship. Besides his loving wife, Nick is survived by his sons, Nicholas, David, Damian, Matthew and his daughter-in-law Andrea and granddaughter Gianna Rose. In addition he is survived by his brothers Martin, Joseph, John, Eugene and Anthony and his many nephews and nieces.

Nick was a long time member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and actively supported many charities throughout Long Island.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Villanova University.

A large contingency of the Long Island business community joined Nick's family and friends as they paid their respects at the Commack Abbey in Commack, New York. A funeral service was held at St. Anthony's of Padua in East Northport, New York on Monday, August 8, 2005. In lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 125 East Bethpage Rd. Plainview, NY 11803.