Nick Costa
While cut tragically short, Nick’s life was one, in which every second was made to count.To know him was to love him and those who knew him best would tell you that the only thing bigger than his smile was his heart. He never missed an opportunity to share that heart with the world. Clever and caring, he was the first stop when you needed cheering up and always good for a quirky story and a laugh.
A true sports enthusiast, Nick played baseball and soccer and was as die hard of a Yankees fan as they come. But in retrospect, ice hockey was his true love. He played for many years at Iceland before joining the travel team “The Lawrence Flames.” Never once did he complain about the early morning practices or long hours and late-night rides he took on the turnpike to out-of-town games. By the time he reached high school, he made the team as a freshman and went on to become the Assistant Captain his senior year.
Nick later attended Rider University to study entrepreneur business. He had a dream to one day start his own business. He was fearless in that way; never scared to chase after his dreams.
In college, Nick joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, where he was designated a brother at large, acting as the unofficial morale booster.
Nick also had a close-knit group of friends, many of whom he’d known since elementary school. They fondly referred to themselves as the “Langtree West Posse.” Pitching a tent behind Langtree, swapping stories over a campfire or heading down to Philly for Pat’s famous cheesesteaks – at every bend and turn, from boyhood to manhood, this crew was making memories. As he went on to high school and college, his social circle only grew.
In the summer, you’d find Nick lounging around the pool and barbequing with friends. In the winter, pick-up ice hockey games on the pond and trips to the Poconos, skiing and snowboarding were the norm. The season also marked Nick’s favorite holiday, Christmas. Even at the age of 20, he would wake up at the crack of dawn and race to the Christmas tree…but not before first waking up his sisters. That wake-up call was usually met with a: “Go back to sleep Nick.” To this day, the Christmas tree goes up the day after Halloween in our house as per Nick’s request.
Social gatherings with family were just as important to Nick. Whether it was picnics, weddings, parties or pitching quoits, Nick’s dedication was unwavering.
He took great pleasure in letting his two older sisters spoil him. Breakfast in bed, personal escorts and stylists and even driving coaches – there wasn’t a thing they wouldn’t have done for their little brother.
He was just bursting with energy, a true testament to living. I’d like to think that there’s an angel roaming around up there with bright orange sneakers, a crazy shirt, a hat and a Mohawk, who’s still carries that same exuberance with him.
Since his death, it’s become apparent just how many lives he’s touched. Strangers are getting to know Nick by the stories we never tire of hearing or telling. For those of us who had the privilege to know him in life, we will miss him dearly and treasure his unforgettable smile and charismatic personality in our hearts forever.
James Vandewater
Inspiration, commitment and passion – one could see that Jimmy embodied these qualities even at a young age.
Those traits surfaced on the athletic fields, in his personal pursuits and especially, in his home life.
He became involved in YMCA basketball at the same time he began playing with the Hamilton Township Recreation Baseball Association and All Star teams.
Then it was on to something new: soccer.
He quickly warmed up to the sport. With each new challenge and the promise of competition, he rose to the occasion. He reveled in always being on the move, in high-intensity decision-making and in working in unison with his teammates.
Over the years, he played on many different Hamilton Township recreation teams in various capacities. Through his travel team experiences, he grew as a player and developed his talents and knowledge of the game. He discovered a more competitive environment with the GAK Thunder and through his high school soccer team, the Steinert Spartans.
Through his sports involvements, he earned many a friend among his teammates and their families. If you met Jimmy just once, you would remember him forever – on or off the field.
During his junior and senior years at Steinert, Jimmy started to explore his interest in the culinary field.
This inspired him to apply and enroll at Johnson and Wales University, located in Providence, Rhode Island. Once again, he had clearly chosen a path in life that brought with it nuances and exciting challenges. He received his associate’s degree in the culinary arts in June 2006, but not before making the Johnson and Wales Dean’s List, the National Dean’s List and receiving Safe Serve Certification.
However, even this wasn’t enough for JImmy. He wanted to be the best and continued on his path toward a bachelor’s degree with a much-anticipated graduation date of May 2008.
His first real hands-on experience in the profession followed his freshman year, when he signed on with the Zagat-rated Rat’s Restaurant in Hamilton, New Jersey.
He continued to pursue his passion, balancing school with work as he joined the staff of Nick’s on Broadway in Providence. At the time of his passing, he had just completed a five-and-a-half-month internship at Daniel of New York City. Led by Executive Chef Jean-Francois Bruel, Daniel is widely considered one of the finest restaurants in the city. Upon his graduation he was offered an externship some 3.000 miles away at the world-renowned The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California. It was yet another big challenge in his life he was anxiously awaiting.
Yes, he held an indelible commitment and passion for his future. But there was another side to him we had the privilege of knowing. It was an admirable and playful side. It was behind a joke being played on someone; it was a profile that belonged center stage. If a friend or family member needed a hand, Jimmy was already on his way, with his signature grin in tow. His love for life was unsurpassed and because of that, he left his mark on all who had a chance to cross his path. Jimmy will be forever missed and remembered by everyone his life touched – family, friends, teammates, coaches and classmates. It’s through them that Jimmy continues to live on.