Nicholas A. (Nick) Sabella Jr., died unexpectedly Nov. 4, 2016, in Cresson, Pa. He was born June 24, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio to Ellen and the late Nick Sabella Sr.
Mr. Sabella moved around throughout childhood before the family settled down in Osceola Mills. He graduated from Philipsburg-Osceola High School in 1971 and became a mechanic right out of high school.
He was a workaholic, a very talented automotive and drill rig mechanic, a drill operator and a savvy businessman. He co-owned and operated Centre Drilling Inc. with his brother as well as his side business, Nick Sabella Racing.
Mr. Sabella’s favorite passion was automotive restoration, specifically muscle cars and Corvettes. He was a master of all trades and skillful in nearly every aspect of restoration – painting, detail, mechanical, etc.
He completed several stunning and award-winning restorations, including his prized 1967 Corvette Sting Ray. And, he was in the process of restoring a 1967 Camaro at the time of his death.
He was an accomplished drag racer, conquering the quarter-mile with engines and cars he built himself. His race engine-building skills were renowned, building engines for customers’ race cars, muscle cars, sports cars and hotrods.
Mr. Sabella loved to find old cars to restore and the road trips to get them. He loved to extract them from old barns/garages, fields, swampy marshes or even just from the annual trips to Fall Carlisle. As well, he loved the story of the find, how it was extracted and the history of the car itself. He truly enjoyed the hobby to the fullest.
He was kind-hearted and selfless, a fun-loving soul but was brutally honest and had immeasurable integrity. He was a teacher and mentor to many in the old car/race car community as well as the kingpin of his family. He left a void with his friends and family that will never be filled.
Mr. Sabella was preceded in death by his father who he idolized.
In addition to his mother, he left behind a fiancée, Elaine Verost of Philipsburg and a brother, Richard G. Sabella and his wife, Lee Ann of Philipsburg.
Also surviving are a nephew, Richard L. Sabella and his wife, Kristin of Houtzdale; two nieces, Holly Kick and her husband, Brandon of Portage and Casey Sabella of Philipsburg; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He also left behind his loyal canine companion, Avery.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, at Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Madera.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com.