Nicholas J. Gassera

Nicholas J. Gassera, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL passed away August 4, 2012. He was the son of Joseph and Francis (Grillo) Gassera, born October 14, 1926 in Elizabeth, NJ. Nicholas served in the US Navy aboard the USS Collett where he was a loader on the second 5-inch gun on the front of the destroyer. Additionally, the Collett was responsible for inspecting Tokyo Bay after the surrender by Japan. After leaving the Navy, he worked as a machinist at Airtron in Morristown, NJ; and was a bus driver for handicapped adults for Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY, taking them to and from work, and on recreational activities. Nicholas moved to Port Charlotte in 1993, and attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Nicholas was an accomplished bowler, and spent much time at the bowling center. He was a member for many years in the USBC Bowling Congress, and was a league bowler in leagues in New Jersey, Staten Island, and Port Charlotte. He remained active in bowling leagues until 2009. When he was no longer able to participate, he enjoyed coaching and watching. He spent much of his time at the Bowland Center in Port Charlotte watching his grandson, Daniel Gassera, bowl in his many leagues and competitions. Nicholas will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years, Agnes; daughters, Patricia Brown of Staten Island, NY, and Joanne Broccio of Punta Gorda; sons, Nicholas Gassera and Joseph Gassera, both of Port Charlotte; and sisters, Grace Heim of New Port Richie, FL, Josephine Turner of Fla., and Theresa Stokes of Penn; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by parents. The service in celebration of Nick's life will be at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 18 at First Baptist Church Port Charlotte. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.