Nick Accocella

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, he was the youngest child of Mario and Nancy Accocella. Nick graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He completed his education at University of Bridgeport with a Master’s in Counseling and Human Resource Management in 1993.

Nick began his career in 1979 teaching high school business and data processing. From there he transitioned to the corporate world by accepting a position at Reader’s Digest. Over the course of the 11 years he was with the company, he worked his way up to executive level management. Throughout the roles he held, he was able to travel the world as he helped develop their international HR divisions. In 1994, Nick moved with his family to Tampa, FL where he used his many years of experience to achieve his dream of opening his own company, HandsOnStaffing. Nick’s time developing HandsOnStaffing into a successful labor pool was a major milestone throughout his personal and professional life. After many years of heading the company, circumstances led to him selling his business. He continued his work by opening SearchCom International, a company dedicated to consulting and staffing executive management, through which he was able to become a part of Mission Search where he continued to work until his passing.

Nick married the love of his life, Paula, on October 9, 1983. Together they had two children, Jen and Greg. He was driven by a desire to provide for his family and loved them unconditionally. Nick was tasked to fulfill the role of both mother and father when Paula unexpectedly passed away in 2007, and he did so with love, strength, compassion and courage. It was very important for him to keep his family moving forward. Nick taught his children that hardships are not an obstacle but an opportunity to grow. Though difficult, the experience created a stronger bond between Nick and his children. Always the focal point of every decision he made, his kids were his world.

Nick can be described as a man with a big heart, larger than life personality, unmatched generosity, and uplifting sense of humor. To know Nick is to become family. Nick was able to make connections with the community in a way that allowed him to fulfill his passion of helping others. Nick became ordained so that he could conduct wedding ceremonies for his day laborers right out of his HandsOnStaffing office. Each Thanksgiving, he would provide a large feast for the families who otherwise would not have had a meal. Keeping an open heart and open home was the cornerstone of Nick’s core values. With him you always had a place to call home.

Nick was known as a people person and loved to be the life of the party. He preferred experiences with those he loved over possessions. He loved to travel, near and far. One of his favorite places was New Orleans. He loved the French Quarter, listening to local musicians, participating in the annual Red Dress Run, and people watching in Louis Armstrong Park. Most recently, he treated his family to a luxurious cruise through the Mediterranean allowing them to make memories that will be cherished forever. Nick enjoyed live comedy, going to concerts, singing with his own version of lyrics, hosting parties, and just spending time with the people who meant the most to him.

Nick was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2018. As he quietly fought his tumultuous battle, he persevered with unwavering strength and optimism. Up until his last moments, Nick never let the disease change who he was. He faced every challenge with dignity, grace, positivity, and humor.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Mario Accocella, his mother Nancy Accocella, and his wife, Paula Accocella.

Nick is survived by his children Jennifer Accocella Escobar (Richard Escobar) and Gregory Accocella (Christina Klym); sister, Mary Long (Jim Long); three nephews, Bobby, Michael and Kevin; two nieces, Amanda and Andrea; two great-nieces, Molly and Brielle, four great-nephews, Collin, Brady, William, and Sawyer.

The family will receive friends at 5pm on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 West Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 34638. There will be a wake service following at 6pm.

There will be a funeral mass at 10:30am on Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church located at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd. Tampa, FL. 33647. A graveside service to follow at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens located at 14360 Spring Hill Dr. Spring Hill, FL. 34609.

Flowers will be accepted or donations to Metropolitan Ministries- please see the link below.