Nick Koomen

Rochester: January 2, 2020. Predeceased by his wife and sweetheart, Rita Koomen, as well as three
siblings. Nick was the father of Sharon (Chris) Harmon of Nashville, TN; Ron Koomen of Phelps, NY; John
(Maria) Koomen of Webster, NY; Brian (Stephanie) Koomen of Harrisburg, NC; and Eric (Susan)
Koomen of Pittsford, NY; grandfather of Zach, Sebastian, Chaselin, Dane, Shannon, Allison, Joey,
Jacob, Sydney, Julia, and Cole; great-grandfather of Leo. Also survived by brothers, sisters, and
their families.

Born in Spanbroek, Holland, as Nicholas to Jacob and Elizabeth Koomen, Nick was the fourth of
eleven children. Living through WWII and helping to raise his younger siblings when his mother
died, he raised prized cows, showing them at competitions as far as Italy. He immigrated to the
United States when he was 25, legally changing his name to Nick when he became a citizen.
 
When he first arrived, he continued to work as a farmer and eventually started a painting
contracting business, originally with his brother Pete. In time he was reunited with his
kindergarten friend Anna Maria (Rita), who had immigrated to Canada after the war. They were
married seven months later. Nick worked hard, building a successful painting business while
helping Rita to raise five children and to grow her healthcare business. He was passionate about
instilling good values in his children and tried hard to live his life by example. He enjoyed many
things including:

• gardening, known for his rock/flower gardens and vegetable gardens;
• politics, volunteering many times during political elections;
• volunteering, both at St. Thomas Moore and St. John’s Catholic Church;
• exercise, playing tennis and square dancing with Rita for years; and
• good health, supporting his wife with her natural health business.

He is especially known for his enthusiasm for soccer, having coached his four sons and many
other children in Brighton and Penfield over the years. He even started a women's team where
his wife Rita starred. Nick had a knack for giving passionate, inspirational speeches, liked to help
others, and he enjoyed life! His family will miss the rock-solid foundation he provided all these
years, but they know he is now with God and his lifelong love once more.

At Nick's request, there will be no traditional funeral or calling hours. Extended family and
friends are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Nick's Life on Monday, January
6, from 12-2 PM at White Haven Memorial Park's Gathering Room, 210 Marsh
Road, Pittsford. No flowers, please. More than anything, Nick would want you to help someone
else, so please donate to a charity of choice in his name. To share a memory of Nick or send a
condolence to the family, please use the Tribute Wall link above.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Nick Koomen, please visit our Tree Store.