The Reverend Nicholas J. Cesaro, a priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford died peacefully on August 10, 2021 at Jefferson House, Newington, CT. Father Cesaro was born on May 22, 1929 predeceased by his parents Joseph and Lucy (D'Antonio) Cesaro and his two brothers Thomas Cesaro of Torrington and Joseph Cesaro of Winsted. Father Nick was the middle brother survived by his sister-in-law Philamena (Honey) Cesaro of Torrington, his nephews, Mark and Janet  Cesaro, West Hartford; David and Diana Cesaro of Avon. He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews: Regina (Cesaro) and Justin Leckie of Pittsburgh; Michael and Tina Cesaro of Avon, Matthew Cesaro of San Francisco; Cassandra Cesaro of Boston and Zachery Cesaro of Oxford, England.

Father Cesaro entered Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 1946 at age of 15 and then proceeded to continue his philosophy and theology studies at St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester, New York. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford on May 27, 1954. He continued his advanced studies in psychology, receiving a M.S. at Iona College, NY and also obtained a Master's degree in History from St. Joseph's College in W. Hartford, CT.

Fr. Cesaro's early priestly ministry included assignments as Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Waterbury where he inspired many young adults to join the CYO where they formed friendships for a lifetime.

He was an Instructor of History and Italian at Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield for over 21 years. Additionally he was Assistant Pastor at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford. In 1988, Fr. Cesaro was named Temporary Administrator and then Pastor of Saint Augustine Church, and he would remain in service to that community until his retirement from active ministry in 2004. After his retirement from St. Augustine's he returned to St.Mary's in Newington to continue his ministry. He spent a few years in retirement for senior priests at the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield where he came full circle from the beginning of his studies at St. Thomas Seminary.

Father's love had neither conditions nor boundaries. Whatever the blessing, he gave 100-fold more than he received - a fact he would almost certainly dispute. His empathy and compassion compelled him; not only to help those in need but also refrain from ever sharing details of his generosity. And though he chose to live humbly, he was highly-driven and focused in both his professional and personal lives. Whatever the problem or challenge, he instinctively gave 200% to the endeavor. A lifelong runner, he finished his first marathon at age 50, inspiring many others to rise above their excuses and "just do it". He also loved the outdoors, skiing throughout New England and swimming in the ocean, no matter the temperature.

He placed love, kindness and equity above all else, helping countless individuals and their families navigate the difficult path of faith into the realm of forgiveness. Throughout his long life he remained a fierce advocate for social justice and inclusivity, always espousing the Great Commandment's "love your neighbor as yourself."

Through his own example, he taught us to love, forgive and be grateful for the opportunities life affords.

Father Cesaro will be remembered by all the seminarians and parish families he served for over 65 years in devotion to the Lord and his brothers and sisters in Christ.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Mountain Commons  and the Jefferson House for their expert care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Church of St. Augustine, 10 Campfield Ave, Hartford, CT. The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford will preside with calling hours prior to start of the Mass from 9:00 to 10:50 am. Burial will be private in the family plot in Torrington, CT at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made in Fr. Cesaro's name to Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Rd, West Hartford CT 06107 and /or House of Bread, 1453 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120.

A reception will follow the service at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford.

To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com