Dominic “Nick” W. Caristo of Niantic, Conn., formerly of Alna, died peacefully at his home on January 10, 2014. He was 70. Nick’s determination and will to live was admired as he fought a yearlong battle against mesothelioma.

Nick was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Myrtie (Reynolds) Caristo and daughter, Lila (Caristo) Savage. In addition to his loving wife, Joan Keefe, he is survived by his son-in-law, John Savage; daughter, Kate Caristo-Scalora and her husband, Josh Scalora; his grandchildren, Merton “Boomer” and Annika Savage, and Nico and Gianna Scalora; his siblings, Anne Marie Messier, Dianne Caristo Gaynor, Rosemary Pussinen, Carl Caristo, Robin Seaman and Roberta White; his aunts, Mary (Caristo) DiFranza and Phyllis Caristo. He is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Nick was born in Medford, Mass., on July 4, 1943. The family moved to Plainfield, Conn., where Nick enjoyed his childhood. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and proudly served for three years. Nick then attended Newman Preparatory School where he was named salutatorian. He went on to attend the Wentworth Institute and ultimately earned his bachelor of science degree from Lowell Technical Institute where he studied radiological technology.

Nick had an accomplished career as an engineer at Knoll Atomic Power, General Electric, Pilgrim Power, Maine Yankee and Vermont Yankee nuclear power plants. After retiring as an engineer, Nick earned his certification as a master gardener. As the project manager at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Nick helped to create the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, Bibby & Harold Alfond Children’s Garden and the Bosarge Family Education Center.

Nick was a devout Catholic. He was honored to be recognized as a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He also served as volunteer firefighter in the Alna Fire Department. He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, sailing and spending quality time with his friends, family and dog Ares.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nick’s memory can be made to Will’s Way 5k, P.O. Box 181, Plainfield, CT 06374. Will’s Way 5k is an annual event held in memory of Nick’s nephew, William Howard, who died tragically in a bicycle accident. Each year Will’s Way awards a scholarship to a college bound Plainfield High School student.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Road, Plainfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic, Conn. A private burial will follow at a later date.