John A. Nucifora

John Nucifora, Local English Teacher, Video Store Pioneer, and Cinefile

John Nucifora of Syracuse, NY, died April 20th, 2023.

Born in Syracuse on September 26, 1948, John was the son of the late Bennie and Nancy Nucifora of Liverpool, NY. A graduate of Tusculum University in Tennessee, John found his vocation as an educator. His subject was English and his passion for storytelling and film led him to become a groundbreaking entrepreneur in the new world of home video in the 1980s. As the owner of Chimney's Video Super Store in Dewitt and Liverpool, John became a known cultural commentator, offering his top movie recommendations for CNY families in newspaper columns, radio spots, and local news segments. His efforts as a small businessman were awarded and recognized at a national level; he received Video Retailer of the Year. He served as co-chair of the Video Software Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas, later to become CES, the Consumer Electronics Show of innovative technology. John had his finger on the pulse of the new--from music to theatre, film, and art. As a youngster, he spent many afternoons at the Landmark Theater in downtown Syracuse being transported by motion pictures; and in adulthood he served on the Board of Directors and contributed to the Landmark's programming and movie premieres. He taught English at the high school level in the Central Square school district. In his later years, John found great reward in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at BOCES to new community members arriving to Syracuse from around the world. In his approach, he relied on movies as part of his instruction to teach the English language. John also had a deep love for Barbra Streisand's music and movies, visiting New York City, his corgi, Pippa, and spending time with family and friends. John made many lasting friendships and always left an impression as a man of intellect, wit, curiosity, boldness, and compassion.

A beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and husband, John is survived by his wife Sandra Nucifora; daughter, Nicole Nucifora and son-in-law, Joseph Bellardini; son, Gregory Nucifora; grandchildren, Lauren Bellardini and Jake Bellardini; sister, Nancy Nucifora; sisters-in-law, Elaine Eno Fatcheric and Patricia Hannon; nieces and nephews, Marc Hayes, Sara Hayes, Jennifer Eno, Stephen Eno, Mary Ann White, Michael Hannon, Ken Hannon, and his great nieces and nephews who knew him as "Grandpa John".

A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church of Cicero, NY, on Wednesday, April 26th, at 10 a.m., followed by a burial in St. Mary's Cemetery in Fulton, N.Y.

Contributions to the local animal rescue bernardsbeaglerescue.com may be made in John's name.

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