The Utica community is mourning the loss of Nicole Cozza, the beloved baker, business owner, and dedicated mother of two girls, who passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, following a brave battle with cancer. Cozza was the owner of Holy Pizzoli, a popular bakery on Oneida Street, known for her talent in the kitchen and her kind-hearted nature.

Nicole’s fight against illness began over a year ago when she was diagnosed with stage four colon, stomach, and ovarian cancer in January 2023. Despite the grim prognosis, she continued to fight with resilience and grace, undergoing multiple surgeries and bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments in New York City. Her strength and determination, both in her fight against cancer and in life, earned her the admiration of many in the Utica community.

A Legacy of Service: From Survivor to Supporter

Before becoming a well-known name in the Utica baking scene, Nicole Cozza dedicated over two decades of her life to helping others overcome substance abuse. A survivor of addiction herself, Nicole worked tirelessly to support those in need, using her experiences to empower and guide others toward recovery.

Nicole’s skills in baking were nurtured in the family-owned Rintrona’s Bakery on Bleecker Street, which has been a part of Utica since its opening in 1908. Her deep connection to the bakery, and the love for her craft, eventually led her to open Holy Pizzoli, where she became a beloved figure in the local community.

Those who knew Nicole describe her as a compassionate, hardworking, and humble individual. Her love for her family, her bakery, and her community shone through in everything she did. Her sudden passing has left a profound impact on the lives of many.

A Mother’s Love: Nicole Cozza’s Family and Legacy

Nicole was a proud and devoted mother to her two daughters, and her passing has left them, along with her family and friends, devastated. The community has come together to support Nicole’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, offering prayers and condolences.

In a heartfelt tribute, one friend wrote, “Prayers to all of Nicole Cozza’s family, friends, and loved ones… especially her girls🥹 so sad and such a loss. She fought a tough battle, so gracefully at that, she can now rest in forever peace.”

The pain of losing a mother and a friend is immeasurable for those who knew Nicole, and the entire community grieves alongside her family.

The Community’s Loss: Nicole’s Impact on Utica

Nicole’s death has left a void in the Utica community. As the owner of Holy Pizzoli, Nicole brought joy to her customers with her delicious creations, but it was her kind and caring nature that truly endeared her to everyone she met.

Her bakery became a beloved fixture on Oneida Street, where locals not only came for the food but for the warmth of Nicole’s spirit. Her commitment to both her craft and her community made her a treasured part of Utica’s fabric.

“It’s hard to imagine Utica without her,” said a longtime friend and customer. “She was the heart and soul of Holy Pizzoli, but she was also the heart and soul of this community. She was always there for everyone, and now we have to learn to live without her.”

Nicole’s Courageous Battle: A Testament to Strength and Love

Nicole’s year-long fight against cancer was nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing multiple surgeries and the relentless toll of chemotherapy, she remained strong and resilient, never losing her fight or her grace. Her courage through it all was a testament to her inner strength and determination to be there for her loved ones for as long as possible.

Her family, friends, and customers have shared their admiration for Nicole’s ability to face such a devastating illness with dignity and positivity. Nicole’s fight was not just a battle against cancer—it was a reflection of the strength she had cultivated throughout her life, both in overcoming addiction and in the love she had for her family and community.

A Legacy of Love and Service

As the Utica community mourns the loss of Nicole Cozza, they are also celebrating the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Her contributions to both the world of baking and the world of recovery have touched countless lives, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In honor of Nicole’s memory, her family and friends are encouraging others to continue the work she began, whether in supporting those struggling with addiction or in spreading kindness and generosity throughout the community.

Her daughters, Noel and Eric Jr., will undoubtedly carry forward their mother’s legacy of strength, kindness, and resilience, just as she inspired them to do throughout her life. Nicole’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

Conclusion: A Community United in Grief and Love

Nicole Cozza’s passing is a tragic loss for her family, friends, and the entire Utica community. As her loved ones mourn her untimely death, they also honor the life she lived—one full of compassion, strength, and a deep love for those around her.

The community will remember Nicole not just as the talented baker behind Holy Pizzoli but as a woman whose kindness and dedication made the world a better place. Her family, friends, and customers are left to carry on her memory, and her legacy of love and service will live on for years to come.

Rest in peace, Nicole Cozza. Your warmth, strength, and love will never be forgotten.