Nicholas J. De Candia

Nicholas J. De Candia of Lanesboro passed away on October 20, 2022, just a week shy of his 90th birthday. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 28, 1932, son of Louis and Rose Piscopo De Candia. At age 12 he fell in love with the trumpet. Friends enjoyed hearing his stories about his adventures playing in the U.S. Army Band during the Korean War and in the big bands of the 1950s when he performed all over the country. Nick graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a master’s degree in music education, and he taught band and orchestra in several New York City schools. In his mid-30s, Nick found his second love: photography. He became enthralled with the ever-changing quality of light and shared his enthusiasm with his photography students at Berkshire Community College, Southern Vermont College, and MCLA. He created a number of photo essays that dealt with social issues: poverty, food insecurity, teen pregnancy and Alzheimer’s disease. The Berkshire Atheneum houses a permanent exhibit of his photo essay, “Facing Berkshires’ Heritage.” In 1968, he met his third love: Renee Dubow. They lived in Queens, New York, moved to Long Island, and in 1977, they moved up to a beautiful piece of heaven in Lanesboro, where they learned to love both the joys and hardships of country life. They were happily married for 49 years. Nick was extremely proud of his Italian heritage – especially when it came to food. Many people’s fondest memories of him are from around the dinner table. Nick leaves his beloved family: his wife, Renee; son, David (and his wife, Irma); daughter, Katie-Rose; grandchildren, Robert (and his wife, Stacey), Gloriana, and Anissa; great-grandchildren, Michael and Vivienne; nephew, Vincent Calabro; and niece, Diane Franciosa. Nick was predeceased by his sister, Sabina Calabro. FUNERAL NOTICE: Services for Nicholas J. De Candia will be Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11 am at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Lanesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 4 to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nick’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Nicholas J. De Candia

October 28, 1932 - October 20, 2022