NICHOLAS A. FORGIONE, age 92, a WWII Navy Veteran, retired Phila. Police Highway Patrol officer, Pennsylvania Police Hall of Fame Inductee, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and avid cancer fundraising bicyclist, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2015. Devoted husband of Nora (nee Mastrangelo). Loving father of Nancy Fitzgerald and her husband, Eugene and Lydia Miller and her husband, Joseph Hanis. Beloved grandfather of Dawn Saurman and Zachary Miller and loving great grandfather of Gianna and Holden. Dear brother of Teresa Bria, Rose Schambers and the late Jenny Frascatore.
Nick was a first generation American, born of Italian immigrants. His early years were spent assisting his father in their shoe repair business. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve the day after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Nick received the Pacific Theater & American Campaign Medals, the World War II Victory Medal and the Seebees Badge. He and his wife, Nora, were married on October 29, 1944 and have celebrated 70 years of marriage. Immediately after WWII he served he served as a Pennsylvania state prison guard at Graterford prison and subsequently joined the Philadelphia Police as a Highway Patrol officer. Nick’s later years were spent as a freelance private investigator through the 1970’s, until being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1983.
After refusing cancer treatments, Nick recovered and became a staunch supporter and advocate for the fight against cancer through riding in numerous bike-a-thons. As of 2008, he logged in over 65,000 miles on a bicycle. He received numerous awards and recognition for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society and Fox Chase Cancer Center. He has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, as well as television news stories and documentaries.
In addition to the aforementioned involvements, Nick was also a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Katharine Drexel Council #3968, a 57- year member of the American Legion, Police Olympic bicyclist competitor, Democratic committeeman and Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Christopher’s Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing in church Monday, July 13, 2015 from 9:00am until 10:20am at St. Christopher Church, 13301 Proctor Rd., Phila., PA 19116, followed by his funeral mass 10:30am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Christopher Church at the above address. (Condolences and guestbook at www.DiGiacomoFuneralHome.com)