It is with shattered hearts that the family of Nicola Raffaele Sangermano announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, at the age of 41. Beloved son of Tony and Anna Sangermano. Loving brother of Michelle and Massimo. Adored by many aunts, uncles, cousins, treasured friends including long time friend Melissa, and relatives in the United States and Italy. Nicola will be deeply missed by his cherished cat, Raven. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Nicola and Michelina Sangermano, and Raffaele and Felicetta Marotta.
Nicola faced more battles in his lifetime than most could ever imagine. At only 10 years old, he underwent a heart transplant, beginning a lifelong journey of challenges. Through it all, Nicola showed remarkable courage, resilience, and strength supported by his family who fought every battle beside him with love. Despite the hardships he endured, he continued to face life with determination and heart. Following a short but courageous battle with Glioblastoma, Nicola passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Nicola was strong in ways that only people who fight every day can truly understand, and he never stopped fighting. Nicola did things entirely on his own terms, refused to be defined by illness, and lived authentically as himself.
That stubborn streak was not just part of his personality; it was his armour and the fire that carried him through life until the very end. Nicola will be remembered for his big heart, his generosity, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. Family was everything to him, and he made sure the people he loved always knew how important they were. Christmas was his favourite time of year — not because of what he received, but because of how much joy he found in giving gifts.
He loved history, his Italian heritage, museums, going to concerts, and travel. He will always be remembered in our HEARTS. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams who cared for Nicola throughout his life at SickKids Hospital, Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Bluewater Health and St. Joseph’s Hospice. In honour of Nicola’s life and the gifts of heart and kidney donations he received himself, the family encourages others to consider becoming an organ donor. Cremation has taken place.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 1465 Lecaron Ave., Sarnia, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through donations to Toronto SickKids Hospital Foundation, London Health Sciences Foundation, or Sarnia Organ Donation Association (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Memorial
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
1465 Lecaron Ave.
Sarnia, Ontario
N7V 3J4
June 2nd, 2026 11:00 am
