Nicholas F. Follacchio, C.E.C., A.A.C., H.O.F., 87, of Middletown, CT beloved husband of Patricia (Tronsky) Follacchio passed away on December 15, 2024.  He was born in Musellaro, Abbruzzo, Italy, the son of the late Giuseppe and Lydia (Conti) Follacchio.

His journey started when he immigrated to America at the age of 10. His first job, shining shoes for 25 cents, might have been humble, but it was here that he began to build the proud life that would one day support his family and touch the lives of so many. Not just content with providing, he aspired and achieved greatness, becoming a vocational teacher for over 25 years, Executive Chef at Rockledge Country Club, Wampanoag Country Club, Wethersfield Country Club, Sphinx Temple, Sun Valley Beach Club, advisor to the U.S. Olympic Culinary team and even being inducted into the American Academy of Chef's Hall of Fame—a testament to his passion, skill, and dedication. He wielded his spatula as past President and member of the CT Chef's Association, past President and head of the Scholarship Committee for the CT Les Amis d'Escoffier Society.  He valued being an active member with the Middletown Elks, Wethersfield Unico, and the Son's of Italy.  Whoever becomes the "Sauce Man" has some big shoes to fill. But beyond these accolades, it was his heart, boundless and full of love, which left an indelible mark.

He filled his summers making countless friends at Sun Valley Beach Club, lazy days at the beach, bingo, cards, potlucks, bocci and cruising in his golf cart.  There wasn't a person there who didn't love "Cheffie".

He leaves behind a legacy of endearment and laughter. His wife, stood by his side for 57 beautiful years, together, they brought into this world a family that he cherished above all else: his late son, Joseph; daughter, Alicia; his son-in-law, Todd; and his loving grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicholas, Tristan, Seth, his fiancé Kaylani, Heather and her significant other, Austin. His circle of love also extended to those who left before him, his sister, Judy; and his nephew, Louie; we take comfort in knowing they are drinking demitasse coffee with Centerbe in his kitchen in the sky. His legacy is also carried on by his brother-in-law Bob, nephew, Gary, his wife Ellen, Sue, Louie's wife, his niece, Laura, her husband Donald, his nephew Bob Jr., his wife Sandy, his niece Dawn, and many cousins in America and Italy; all being the special ingredients that made his life so rich and full.

He was more than just a decorated chef or a beloved teacher; he was a pillar of kindness, whose impact stretched far beyond the confines of family and friends. His life was a testament in the power that food is love.  We will miss his daily check-ins, his constant worry about whether we've eaten well, and most importantly, his unwavering love and guidance.  Let's not forget the lessons he taught us, most importantly, always make room at our table for one more.

Funeral service for Nicholas will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10am at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish/St. Elizabeth Seton, 280 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St., New Britain, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Friday from 4pm to 7pm. To share a memory of Nicholas, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com