Little Falls - Nick P. (Woppy) Lanza, 94, a long time Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 18, 2016 at the Alpine Nursing Center, Little Falls, NY with his devoted family by his side.

He was born February 6, 1922 in Little Falls the son of the late Antonio and Cecilia (Ruggieri) Lanza and was educated in Little Falls Schools.

Nick was a World War II Navy veteran, enlisting on August 19, 1942 and was honorably discharged on December 12, 1945 with the rank of Gunner's Mate Third Class. While serving his country Nick was stationed on the USS Madison.

His marriage to Emma Fusco took place on September 8, 1951 at St. Anthony's Church in Herkimer by Rev. Gustave Purificato. The couple shared a blessed union of 63 years until the passing of Emma on February 5, 2015.

For over 30 years, Woppy was employed at the former Library Bureau in Herkimer.

Woppy was a member of the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph and was an active member of the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club.

A devoted  patriarch of the family, Woppy truly cared for all the people in his circle of life, especially his  cherished grandsons. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing,  He loved working in his garden along side of his wife Emma. He also was an expert in picking wild mushrooms.

Survivors include his sons, Anthony Lanza and wife Kimberly of Herkimer, and Thomas Lanza and wife Sharon of Herkimer; his cherished grandsons, Anthony Lanza, Jr., Joseph Lanza, Joshua Lanza, James Lanza, John Lanza and Erich Lanza; his brother, Rev. Daniel Lanza of Little Falls;  in-laws, Tony DeAngelis, Claudine Grande, Theresa Fusco, Olga Fusco, Josephine Fusco, and Clark Workman and wife Ann; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was pre-deceased by four sisters, Nicholena Lanza, Christine Lanza, Mary Lanza and Anna De Angelis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 24, 2016 at 8:30 am from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, New Location, 527 East Albany St., Herkimer, NY 866-1500, and at 9:00 am from the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Quy Vo, Pastor. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer with full military honors accorded. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday September 23, 2016 from 5-8 pm.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at the Alpine Nursing Center, for the excellent care shown to Woppy during his stay.

All memorial contributions may be made to the Alpine Nursing Center, 755 E. Monroe St., Little Falls, NY 13365 or to Herkimer County Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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