Obituary of Nicholas C. "Nick" Sbarra

Of St. Thomas, ON, passed away at his residence on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in his 93^rd year. Beloved husband for 65 years to Brigitta (née Haider) Sbarra. Dearly loved father of Carol Grein (Ken), and Gary Sbarra (Annette). Nick was proud of his grandchildren, Melissa Gibson (Mike), Justin Corriveau, Tyler Grein (Maria), Adam Sbarra (Katlin), and Zachary Sbarra, and his great grandchildren, Aiden, Theodore, and William. Dear brother of Evi Micelli (late Frank). Loved brother-in-law of Elizabeth Salvo (late Bruce). Loving uncle of Renato, Lisa, and Angela. Nick is also survived by a number of relatives in his native Italy.

Born in Italy, December 13, 1933, he was a son of the late Pasquale and Teresa (née Rummolo) Sbarra. Nick immigrated to Canada with his family from Italy in June 1951. He worked with his family at a tobacco farm in the Rodney area and later moved to St. Thomas. A book describing his family’s journey and the events that followed is permanently preserved at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax, N.S.

His musical life started at a very young age, playing various string instruments, and eventually continued with his violin studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.  He performed as soloist, duo, chamber musician, and as a member of a group engaged during appearances by world renowned artists. Nick was regularly active in many productions staged at the Grand Theatre, London, as well as in musical plays presented by the University of Western Ontario and other institutions.  These were in addition to activities as a member of a small dance group whose performances included engagements at the annual events organized at the RCAF Station, London as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations in London and area.

Nick joined Orchestra London in 1952, and in the early 1960’s, he became the Associate Concert Master.  In 1958, Nick, his colleague Ronald Trachy, and pianist George Herbert were awarded the gold medal in the violin duo competition at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto. This was in addition to being awarded 1^st prize for some of his own compositions.  One of Nick’s non-classical pieces was published and used as a test piece in a number of Southern Ontario’s music festivals. He was also a member of the Brantford Symphony Orchestra for over thirty years.

Nick’s interest in sporting activities dates back to his youth in Italy, ranging from track and field meets, where he received a number of medals in the sprint competition at the student games in 1951, to involvement as a junior soccer player on his town’s home team. He resumed this endeavor in Canada years later, from the early 1960’s to the early 1970's, when he participated as a player with a St. Thomas team competing in the London & District Soccer League.

Nick started employment in Canada in 1952 in the drug department of VioBin (Canada) Limited (later known as Hartz Mountain Pet Supplies Limited.) His progress within the company culminated with his appointment to Chief Accountant for the Canadian Operations, a position he held while pursuing his certified accounting designation.

In 1968, he gained employment with the Department of National Revenue, London, where he held a diversity of positions and responsibilities until his retirement following 28 years of service. His duties included various supervisory positions in the Audit Division, lecturing on tax laws, training, and participation in programs at local and national levels.

Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Angels’ Church, 502 Talbot St., St. Thomas, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in Holy Angels’ Cemetery, St. Thomas. Flowers respectfully declined.  If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation or Holy Angels’ Church.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Derek Vaughan, nurse, Jerrica, and the office staff for their exceptional care of Nick.