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Nicholas “Nick” L. Cerverizzo Jr., a retired New York Police Department sergeant who helped a number of expectant mothers deliver their babies during more than two decades on the force, died on Sunday, Aug. 4. He was 89.
Cerverizzo, a longtime Massapequa resident, was a rookie and on the job for just a few weeks when he assisted on his first emergency call for a pregnant mother in labor. An accomplished painter, he graduated from the School of Industrial Art in New York City and served oversees in the U.S. Army before joining the NYPD in 1957.
He worked out of precincts in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens before retiring in 1980 from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst, Queens. One week after retiring from the police department, Cerverizzo started work for Fortunoff’s, retiring a second time 15 years later.
Preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty, Cerverizzo is survived by his son Thomas and daughter-in-law Laura; his daughter Dina, who was married to the late Frank Vigorito; four grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Jamie and David; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rose; and his dog and companion Boo.
Beyond his love for painting, Cerverizzo was an avid fisherman. He owned a boat and often welcomed anyone who wished to join him for a day on the water.
Visitation services for Cerverizzo will take place on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, 20 Hicksville Road in Bethpage.A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Aug.12, at 10:30 a.m. at James R.C. Church, 80 Hicksville Road in Seaford.
Top photos: Courtesy
