Lifelong Stamford Resident, Longtime City Volunteer Dies At 63

STAMFORD, CT — Nicola "Nic" Tarzia, a lifelong Stamford resident and longtime volunteer, has died at the age of 63.

Tarzia served on the Stamford Board of Education from 2000 to 2004, and then from 2016 to 2022, including as vice president. He ran for mayor of Stamford as a Republican challenger against Mayor Caroline Simmons last fall.

A graduate of Stamford High School and Wright Technical School, Tarzia was president and CEO of the Tarzia Group, where he oversaw residential and commercial development projects.

Along with being on the local school board, Tarzia founded the Stamford Public Education Foundation, served as a member of the city's Sewer & Water Commission, and supported several local nonprofits, including Toys for Tots, Stamford Dollars for Scholars and various youth athletics programs.

Stamford BOE President Andy George and Stamford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero released a statement on Friday on Tarzia's passing.

"It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Nic Tarzia, a lifelong Stamford resident whose dedication to education, public service, and the Stamford community touched countless lives. As a co-founder of the Stamford Public Education Foundation and a member of the Stamford Board of Education for many years, Nic was a passionate advocate for Stamford’s public school students, families, and educators," the school officials said.

"On behalf of the Stamford Board of Education and Stamford Public Schools, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Nic’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. We join the Stamford community in mourning this tremendous loss and honoring a life devoted to public service and community engagement."

Simmons also posted a statement via Facebook.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nicola Tarzia. As a lifelong Stamford resident, small business owner, and community leader, Nic spent so much of his life giving back to the city he loved," Simmons wrote. "He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and his impact on the Stamford community will not be forgotten. I extend my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Stamford Republicans said Tarzia had a passion for community and public service.

"Nic was a friend to so many of us and cared deeply for all the people of this great city," Stamford Republicans posted on Facebook. "He will be missed and will be remembered with respect and appreciation."