Remembering Nicholas Petrachenko: A Life Well-Lived
Nicholas Petrachenko, affectionately known as “The Hawk,” passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, at the age of 79. born in Welland, Ontario on September 19, 1945, Nick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering community spirit.
For 58 years, nick shared a gorgeous partnership with his wife, Virginia (née Somogyi). Together, they raised two children, Barry and Tara, and poured their hearts into supporting their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Nick’s family was his pride and joy, and his love for them was evident in every aspect of his life.
Beyond his family, Nick was a pillar of the Welland community. A gifted athlete in his youth, he excelled in sports at Welland South School and Welland High, later gracing local softball and baseball fields as a player. His passion for sports extended beyond playing; he dedicated countless hours as an umpire and coach, guiding young athletes to success at both the local and national levels.
Nick’s infectious enthusiasm wasn’t limited to the sports field. He was a true Renaissance man, with a love for music, art, and building.From crafting intricate model cars to captivating audiences with his accordion playing, Nick’s creativity knew no bounds. He was a familiar face at concerts and live performances, always eager to experience the joy of artistic expression.Nick’s warmth and genuine kindness touched everyone he met. He had a knack for making people smile,brightening their day with his infectious laughter and genuine interest in their lives. His love for travel took him to new horizons, but his heart always remained rooted in Welland, where he cherished the bonds of friendship and community.
In recent years,Nick found solace and remarkable care at Foyer Richelieu,where the staff’s compassion and dedication brought comfort to him and his family.
The Petrachenko family invites you to join them in celebrating Nick’s remarkable life. A memorial service will be held at a later date,details of which will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region or Foyer Richelieu Welland in Nick’s memory.
Nick’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, passion, and unwavering community spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
Remembering the Hawk: A Chat with LocalSports Legend Brenda Jackson
Today, we’re joined by Brenda Jackson, a prominent figure in the Welland sporting community and a former teammate of the late Nicholas Petrachenko. Brenda, who spent her career dominating the softball diamond, has generously agreed to join us in reminiscing about “The Hawk,” as Nick was fondly known.
Brenda, thanks for being here. The article detailing Nick’s life paints a picture of a man deeply devoted to sports, family, and community. what are your earliest memories of Nick?
Brenda: “You know, it’s hard to pinpoint a first memory! Nick was just always around. We grew up on practically the same street, both our family names synonymous with local sports. He was older, but always had the time to play catch with us younger kids, teach us how to hold a bat properly.Even then, you could see his natural gifts – the unbeatable hand-eye coordination, his competitive spirit. But what really struck me about Nick even as a kid was his kindness. He made everyone feel vital.”
Moderator: That seems to have been a defining characteristic for him. There’s a passage about his passion extending beyond playing; he dedicated countless hours coaching and umpiring, guiding young athletes to success on both local and national levels. How did you see nick’s impact on those younger players?
Brenda: it’s no exaggeration to say Nick shaped the careers of many athletes. He wasn’t just about winning, though he definitely hated losing! (Laughs) Nick instilled a love for the game, emphasizing teamwork, respect, and always doin’ your best.
He had this knack for drawing the best out of every player. Whether it was a gentle nudge of encouragement or some tough love when needed, he knew how to connect with each kid on a personal level.
Moderator: The article mentions Nick as a “Renaissance man” with passions extending beyond sports. He loved music, art, and building.
Brenda: Nick was a force of nature! He was always creating something, whether it was carving a miniature model airplane or building elaborate sandcastles with his grandkids. Remember those intricate model cars he used to build? Tiny little masterpieces. And then there was his music! The accordion was his weapon of choice, and he’d play everything from folk tunes to polkas – always with such joy.
We used to joke that there wasn’t a skill Nick didn’t possess.
Moderator: Perhaps that’s what truly endeared him to the community. There’s much to be said about a man who embraces life with such enthusiasm and generosity.Nick clearly embodied community spirit.
Brenda: Absolutely. He was Welland through and through.
He cared deeply about this city and its people. He volunteered countless hours, supported local businesses, and always had a kind word for everyone. Nick’s love for Welland was infectious.
In a way, he embodied the spirit of the community.
Moderator: A curriculum vitae reads like a laundry list of achievements, but behind every name, there’s a human story. What do you want people to remember about Nick Petrachenko?
Brenda: I think most importantly, people should remember Nick’s warmth, his kindness. He was a genuine, down-to-earth person who treated everyone with respect.He had this infectious laugh that would light up a room.
He was passionate about his family,his community,and life in general.
Nick lived a full life and left a lasting legacy.
Moderator:
Thank you, Brenda, for sharing these insightful memories with us today.
I think you just gave us a glimpse into the heart of “The Hawk” and why his legacy will undoubtedly endure.
We encourage our readers to share their own memories of Nick petrachenko in the comments below. Let us celebrate a life well-lived.
