Nicholas Ulisse Canale III, 54, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died January 27, 2018 in his home.
He was born in Glens Falls, N.Y. to the late Nicholas Canale Jr. and the late Donna Berry. He was a high school graduate who joined the U.S. Army as a cavalry scout immediately after high school. He served in the Army’s famed Big Red One Infantry division in Germany and then went to Fort Carson, Colo. After marrying his beloved wife, Sherry Lynn Canale of Bethlehem, Pa., he left the U.S. Army in 1984 and relocated to Fernandina Beach. During the first Gulf War, he worked in Saudi Arabia with DynCorp defense contractors. After returning from overseas, he worked for Blount Island, The Ritz-Carlton and most notably owned his own painting and contracting business, Canale’s Custom Coatings, for many years. As a member of the American Legion in Fernandina Beach, he served as the chaplain, vice commander, and commander. He was also a very active member and served as the president of the VFW men’s auxiliary.
He and his wife of 33 years, Sherry, tragically passed away together.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Nicholas Canale Jr.; mom, Donna Lee Berry; and two sisters, Sheila Love and April Canale.
He leaves behind his son, Tyler Davidson and wife Laura of Fernandina Beach; his son, Nicholas Canale and wife Danielle of Fort Drum, N.Y.; his sister, Loretta Maxwell of Fernandina Beach; his brother, Earl Canale and wife Jenny of Queensberry, N.Y.; and his sister, Kristi Bennett and husband Russell of Fernandina Beach. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Kyle, Bradley, Lillian, Nicole, Lylah, Victoria and Charles and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Journey Church in Fernandina Beach at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 with Pastor Rick Lee presiding. A reception with the family will immediately follow. A graveside funeral service will be private and held at a different time.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors