Louis Nigro

On the afternoon of July 10, 2014, Louis Nigro passed on from natural causes at Cayuga Medical Center at the age of 98. Lou was born in New York City on Feb. 16, 1916.

He was a soft-spoken, gentle man known for his warmth and his sometimes-outlandish sense of humor. He was reliable, hard working, industrious, generous, and loved by many. He started trumpet lessons as a teenager and became a professional musician, playing countless functions over several decades. He served in World War II as a trumpet player in the U.S. Army band. At that time he married the woman he adored, Gilda Mirsky. He also became one of the premiere piano tuners in New York, a vocation he continued into his late eighties. Lou had a life long passion for jazz and the music of the big band era, and in his 60's he developed a passion for Latin and Ballroom dancing, reaching a high level of proficiency in both. He spent many enjoyable evenings dancing at Roseland Ballroom and other venues. He lived in New York City until the age of 89 at which time he moved to Ithaca, New York to be near his son Jan and Jan's wife and son. He lived independently in his own apartment at McGraw House in Ithaca until the time of his passing. McGraw house residents enjoyed his impromptu piano playing on many occasions.

He was predeceased by his father Joseph Nigro and mother Esther (Passov) Nigro, his wife Gilda (Mirsky), his brother Michael Nigro, sister Kay Pope and his daughter Laura Nyro. He is survived by his son Jan Nigro, his daughter-in-law Janice, his grandsons Anthony Nigro and Gil Bianchini, and his three great-grandchildren Isiah, Laura, and Yvonne.

Jan and Janice extend heartfelt gratitude to Lou's primary care physician, Dr. John Costello, who provided phenomenal, compassionate care to Lou during his years in Ithaca.

A memorial service to celebrate Lou's life will be held at McGraw house on Monday July 14 at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou's honor and memory to a charity of one's choice.