Nicholas L. DiFabio 1934-2026

Born Nov. 5, 1934, in Youngstown, Nick was the son of Dante and Domenica DiFabio.

Nick graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1953, where he met the love of his life, Carol. Their high school romance blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted nearly 65 years, beginning July 2, 1955.

Although he was a pipefitter by trade, Nick could build or fix anything. He built his house with his own two hands, helped by his brother Bob. He worked for 17 years at Republic Steel and 30 years at General Motors’ Lordstown plant.

After enjoying many years retired from GM — often while listening to his favorite, Frank Sinatra. He eventually took a security job at Hollywood Gaming in Austintown, at the age of 80, and worked 10 more years for them.

He was also extremely proud to aid in instituting a successful robotics program at Girard High School. Until the day he passed, he was a daily visitor to Planet Fitness in Boardman, where the socialization was extremely healthy for him and he grew to love a lot of folks there like family.

Nick was truly an amazing man who remained incredibly active in the lives of everyone he loved. He was always there, never missing a milestone, a game, a family gathering, or a simple chance to catch up. Whether offering wise advice, a helping hand or just a warm smile, he stayed deeply connected to his family and friends, making sure everyone felt his support every single day.

Nick was the patriarch of a huge Italian family and the true “rock” for his three children, a title his son Michael especially loved calling him. He instilled integrity, work ethic, service to others, faith and honesty in each of them. Nick possessed an unconditional love for those close to him, and there are thousands of people throughout Youngstown who would say he was their “best” friend.

While Nick leaves behind a family who will deeply miss his steady presence, quiet strength, wisdom and unconditional love, they take comfort in knowing he is finally at peace for eternity with his beloved wife, Carol.

He is survived by his son, Dante “Dan” (Valerie) DiFabio of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Loretta (Albert) Morocco of Austintown; and his son, Michael (Rose) DiFabio, also of Austintown. More than anything, Nick loved his family and took immense pride in his grandchildren — Nicholas DiFabio, John Morocco, Vincent Morocco, Michael DiFabio, Jami DiFabio, Gia DiFabio and fiance Dominick Gelonese, and Matthew Morocco — each of whom brought him tremendous joy and pride. To many, he was simply “Grandpa.”

Nick’s love extended far beyond his immediate family, including his late brother Geno’s grandchildren, Theresa Murray, Victoria Murray, Kristy (Bob) Thomas, Joe (Brittany) Murray, Tony (Bich), Ricci (Joe), Rocky, Liz (Alan), Gia (Jeff), Brian and Geno. He was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members whose lives were touched by his kindness, generosity, humor and unwavering love.

He especially cherished hearing all the updates and stories about his great-grandchildren from Dante and Valerie, whose updates from Texas always brought a bright smile to his face. He was reunited in death with his parents, Dante and Domenica, as well as his beloved siblings, Elvera Cumbo-Rich and Geno DiFabio. His memory will be cherished by his surviving brother, Robert DiFabio.

Family and friends may pay their respects 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown. Meet directly at church for Mass.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their exceptional care.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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