HORNELL-Nicholas J. “Nick” Dugo, 72, of 4 Elmwood Pl, Hornell, died Wednesday evening (May 3, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on February 5, 1945, he was the son of Donald & Ann (Buono) Dugo.
Nick grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963). He later attended Alfred State College.
In his younger years, Nick worked various jobs including tending bar at the Sunset Inn Restaurant which was owned by his aunt & uncle.
He was a veteran of the US Army, serving two tours of duty from 1965-1967 and from 1967-1968 during the Vietnam War. While serving his country in combat, Nick was wounded twice by shrapnel during enemy attacks. He received two “Purple Heart” Medals and also received the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
In 1969, Nick began his career with the US Postal Service. For many years he served as a mail carrier and eventually as a supervisor. He retired on June 1, 2000 following 31 years of service.
Nick was a member of the Hornell VFW, a member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and a former member of the Hornell American Legion. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Twin Hickory Golf Club. In the late 1980’s, he had the fortune to have actually scored a Hole-In-One. For several years Nick served as a baseball coach at the Hornell Little League.
He was a “die-hard” New York Yankee fan and, throughout the years, attended many Yankee games. He also loved rooting for the Oakland Raider Football Team. Nick thoroughly enjoyed getting together with his friends each morning at their “Breakfast Club” at JC’s Café. His greatest joy, however, was simply spending quality time with his family & many friends.
Surviving are his loving companion of 25 years, Karen Noble; 2 sons, Anthony Dugo and Nick Dugo, JR, both of Hornell; 3 daughters, Julie (John Truslow) Dugo of West Seneca , Aubrey Dugo of Hornell and Kati Smith of Corning; 3 sisters, Kathy (John) Capluzzi of Hornell, Donna (Terry Gardner) Dugo of Canandaigua and Alberta “Bertie” Dugo of North Ft. Meyers, FL; 2 nephews, John Capluzzi & Donald “DJ” Capluzzi; 2 great-nephews, Vinnie & Joey Capluzzi; 1 granddaughter due in September. Also surviving are Karen’s children, Kara (Chad) Phillips of Kingston, NY and Ben (Lexi) Noble of Brooklyn, NY and her grandson, Thomas Phillips. He will also be sadly missed by his “Little Buddy”, Zeke.
The family of Nicholas J. “Nick” Dugo will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Military Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in the VA Cemetery, Bath, NY.
Nick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Bath VA Medical Center, 76 Veteran’s Ave., Bath, NY 14810. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
In recognition of Nick’s service to his country during the Vietnam War, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
