Nicholas Vernola

Nicholas Vernola, 79, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Born on October 25, 1945, in Manhattan, New York, Nick was the beloved son of the late Thomas Vernola and Francesca Diaferio Vernola. He grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

While living in Brooklyn, Nick met the love of his life, Geraldine Molfetto, on a blind date. Their connection was instant and profound — made even more special when they discovered their families had roots in the same small village in Italy. They married in 1968 and moved to Vernon, Connecticut, where they raised their family before settling in Manchester.

Nick had a long and distinguished career as a mechanical engineer at Pratt & Whitney, where he worked for over 40 years until his retirement in 2008. Among his many contributions, he played a pivotal role in the development and certification of the engine that was later used in the Boeing 777’s first commercial flight — an achievement he took great pride in.

Outside of work, Nick was an avid golfer and fisherman who especially cherished his time on the water in Niantic. But it was his volunteer work at the New England Air Museum that brought him the deepest fulfillment. He dedicated countless hours to the museum, forming lasting friendships with fellow aviation enthusiasts who shared his passion. Even as his health declined, those friends remained by his side, keeping him connected to the museum’s ongoing work and personally bringing him there to experience the community and legacy they had built together. Nick will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family cherishes the memory of Christmas Eve made magical by “Santa” personally delivering gifts — a tradition he lovingly continued for his grandchildren.

Nick is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Geraldine Vernola; his son Bryan Vernola and wife Kathryn; his daughter Lauren Vernola and husband Trey Malmay; his two granddaughters Arianna Vernola and Hannah Loew-Vernola, two step grandchildren Britni Malmay and Jacob Malmay, many special cousins, and numerous other family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the New England Air Museum at www.neam.org.