Nicanor Rosario-Colon

In Loving Memory of Nicanor Rosario-Colon

March 15, 1944 – July 27, 2026

Nicanor Rosario-Colon, affectionately known to many as "Nick" or "Uncle Nick," passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on March 15, 1944, in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, he was the youngest of nine children born to Esteban Rosario-Marquez and Mariana Colon-Sanchez.

As a young man, Nicanor arrived in Landisville, New Jersey, in 1962 and later settled in Vineland, New Jersey, where he would build a life rich in family, laughter, and love. It was in Vineland that he met the love of his life, Cynthia Erline (Tisdale) Rosario. Together they shared more than 55 wonderful years — 52 of them married — until Cynthia's passing in 2020.

Nicanor was a man of remarkable work ethic. He began his life in New Jersey as a field laborer and went on to spend most of his working years as a factory worker in the poultry industry. Whatever the task, he approached it with diligence and pride.

Those who knew Nicanor knew a genuine, warmhearted man — what you saw is what you got. Friendly to a fault, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. He was a natural jokester, forever laughing and playing with the children, and he adored his family beyond measure. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life. He loved playing his lottery numbers (always, it seemed, missing by just one), and he took great joy in cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Phillies.

Nicanor is survived by his three children: Tina C. Toole (widow of the late Lewis Patrick Toole) of Vineland, NJ; Terrance Rosario and his wife, Marta Rosario, of Middletown, DE; and Sandra Mancinelli and her husband, Thomas Mancinelli, of Florida.

He was the proud grandfather of eight — Sheree A. Toole, Janay M. Toole, Evan J. Rosario, Avery N. Rosario, Sophia Bazzini, Giacomo Bazzini, Giovanni Bazzini, and Nicole Mancinelli — and great-grandfather to seven: Jonah X. Lewis, Isabella Serrano, Jemma Maisonave, James Maisonave, Gianella Bazzini, Adelina Bazzini, and Valor White.

He is further survived by two siblings, Jose Rosario of Camden, NJ, and Heriberta "Delores" Rivera of Landisville, NJ; his nephew, Rafael Vega-Rosario of Florida; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry his memory forward.

Nicanor was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Cynthia; his parents, Esteban and Mariana; and six siblings: Margarita, Eladio, Antonia, Emerito, Leofila, and Tomasa Rosario-Colon.

The family will receive friends for a viewing on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wainright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Nicanor will be laid to rest at Siloam Cemetery in Vineland, alongside his beloved wife, Cynthia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Nicanor's memory to the American Cancer Society.

Though he will be deeply missed, Nicanor's warmth, humor, and boundless love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.