Nicole (Nick) Fiorentino

Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend went home to be with the Lord on April 25 surrounded by family at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Nicole Fiorentino (Nick) as most knew him was born in Oakland, California on March 18, 1924 to Raphael and Mary (Visceglia) Fiorentino of Santeramo in Colle Bari Italy. He was raised in El Cerrito, California. He was offered a scholarship in art but ended up marring the love of his life, Rosemary Helean.

Nick spent three years in the Navy and served in both campaigns, Europe and Pacific, during WW II. After serving in the war Nick moved to Missoula to join his family. He was employed for 12 years at Muller Tire Co.

Nick and Rosemary permanently moved to Polson after spending many summers at their Lake home where Nick enjoyed building and racing hydroplanes. He was co-owner of L & F Tire Co. After closing down the tire company, Nick went to work at Dupuis Lumber Co as a carpenter and then a saw filer. When the mill closed down, he went back to work as a carpenter for St. Joseph Hospital until he went to work as a carpenter instructor for the Kicking Horse Job Corp, from where he retired.

Nick loved the outdoors. His favorite hobby was working in his yard, especially his garden wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. However, he had several hobbies over his lifetime such as horses, golf, hunting (especially with his dogs). Nick was a volunteer for many years at the St, Joseph Hospital and St. Joseph Retirement Community. He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knight of Columbus. He also volunteered at the Flathead Tribal Senior Center.

Nick was always available to help anyone pound a nail or cut a board. He always had a twinkle in his eye. He loved to kid and joke with everyone. He would talk to anyone about any subject and loved to argue with his very loud Italian voice. They moved to Missoula and lived in the Village Senior Residence the last four years.

His parents, a bother and a sister preceded Nick in death. Nick left a wonderful heritage; surivived by his wife of 68 years, Rosemary, his five children Nikki (Denny) DesRosier of Helena, Barb (Roger) Porch of Williams, Minnesota, Clark (Nancy) Fiorentino of Polson, Mark (Dyan) Fiorentino of Pablo, Gina (Scott) Jones of San Antonio, Texas, and a sister Rose (Leo) Gomez of El Cerrito, CA., eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Friday April 29 from noon to 7 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic church with a vigil at 7 p.m. in the church.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday April 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Jim Connor officiating.

Interment with military honors was held at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception followed graveside services in the basement of the church. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com