Andrew "Nick" Elnicki

Andrew “Nick” Elnicki entered Eternal Rest, Thursday, November 10, 2022, at his son James’ home in Griswold, CT.  Andy and his wife, Carol, lived with James since moving back to Connecticut in March of this year. 

Andy was born in Norwich, CT to Andrew and Mildred (Aubrey) Elnicki on August 30, 1942.  His parents preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine “Bitsy” (Robella) Elnicki.  Andy and Bitsy were married 20 ½ years when she died in 1983.  They were blessed with 5 children who survive him. 

They are Christina (Elnicki) Peterson and her husband Craig of Bozrah, CT, Lisa (Elnicki) Smith and her husband Ernest of Pawcatuck, CT, Andrew C. Elnicki and his wife Dawn of North Scituate, RI, James Elnicki and his wife Tracie of Griswold, CT and Aimee Elnicki and her partner John Edmond of Lisbon, Ct.

Andy married his second wife, Carol (Faust) Elnicki in 1987.  She survives him, as well as sons Dominic Scavoni and wife Christina of Griswold, CT and Travis Scavoni of Tyrone, PA, Charles Phelps (who Andy and Carol raised) also survives him.  Carol’s son, Jeffrey Scavoni, preceded Andy in 2013.  Andy also leaves behind his brother, Richard Elnicki and his wife Fran of Griswold and his sister Debra (Elnicki) Hyer and husband Greg of Rock Ledge, FL.   In addition, he is survived by beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to list. 

Andy served in the United States Navy Submarine Service for 30 years, retiring as a Master Chief Nuclear Electrician in 1990.  He was very proud of his time in the Navy.  He served on 10 submarines but had a special fondness for his shipmates from the nuclear submarines USS Batfish (SSN-681) and USS Bergall (SSN-667).  He and Carol attended many submarine reunions around the country over the years and many of these crewmembers stayed in touch throughout their lives. 

After a serious motorcycle accident in 1998, Andy and Carol retired, bought an RV, grabbed their dogs, and started touring the country for 18 years.  They often visited family and friends along the way, and they always made new friends.  They mixed RVing with motorcycling and Nascar races.  They eventually camped in all 49 North American states and 7 Canadian Provinces and territories. 

They liked to say they took up work as a recreational activity.  They work camped in Fairbanks, Alaska for the summers of 2002 and 2011.  One of their favorite memories was seeing the Northern Lights.  They also worked for a friend as tour van drivers when in Charlotte, NC for Nascar races.  Andy worked retail for the first time in his life (lol) when he and Carol worked several years at the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach Harley shops during Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

The pair built a home in Okeechobee, FL in 2004 and that became home base for their travels.  The past several years they slowed down, wintering in Okeechobee and spending summers at a campground in Freedom, NH.

He was a very good man, and lived a life full of love of family, love of friends, love of his country and an abiding love and belief in God. 

One of the greatest tragedies in his life was the loss of the nuclear submarine USS Scorpion (SSN-589) in May of 1968.  He served on the boat for 3 ½ years and transferred off 12 days before she left on her final mission.  The Scorpion went down near Azores.  He lost so many friends and he has now joined them.  Sailor, rest your oars, your friends have the watch.

If you wish to remember Andy “Nick” Elnicki, his favorite charity was The Bergall Scholarship Fund  all donations can be sent to The Bergall Associates 9567 Bay Point Drive Norfolk, VA 23518.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00AM Saturday, November 26, 2022 at St. Mary’s Church Jewett City, CT.  Followed by Military Honors Ceremony in Fanning Park, next to the church.  Burial will be at a later date.  Attendees are invited for refreshments at VFW Post #10004, Jewett City, CT,             

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