Nikolas “Niko” Carmello Sierra, 30, passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2021. Niko was born and raised in Longmeadow MA on July 23 , 1991, to his parents Betsy Sierra and Edward Sierra.
Niko attended Longmeadow schools from K-12 and graduated from Longmeadow High School in 2009. He excelled in football, basketball and lacrosse. Niko was team captain for each sport he played. Niko had many highlights during his high school sports career. Including being chosen to the All Western Mass teams in each sport more than once, being part of the Super 7 in all sports. Football all state linebacker for rushing for 1438 yards and scoring 22 TD’S. Niko had over 990 career points and identical rebounds while playing basketball. He finished as top ten all time midfield scorer for Lacrosse. He was awarded the “Outstanding Male Athlete Award” at the time of his graduation. Niko was awarded an athletic scholarship to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT where he earned his bachelor’s degree and played Division 1 football.
Niko went on to continue playing football at the professional level for 4 years. He played in the Indoor Football League for 3 different teams, Cedar Rapids Titans, Nebraska Danger and Maine Mammoths. After his football career, he went on to become a successful Territory Manager for Windmill Health. He was ranked #2 in sales after only working there for 2 years. Niko also worked as a personal trainer, using his sports knowledge to help others reach their personal goals. Niko was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Complex Sports in East Longmeadow, Ma. Recently, Niko started coaching pee wee football in his hometown of Longmeadow which he was really enjoying.
Niko was a very hard worker and always strived for perfection. Niko was always learning new things to add to his arsenal. He made it his mission to continue to grow; physically, spiritually and intellectually. Niko had recently purchased his first home and was proud of that accomplishment. He enjoyed entertaining and was a wonderful host. Niko loved his family and especially enjoyed vacationing with them on Cape Cod.
Niko had the gift of making everyone he met feel special, when he was talking to you he was present. Niko was a bright light. He was kind and considerate. He was so funny and gave everyone encouragement. He was blessed with a wonderful network of friends and had wonderful experiences with them. He loved playing golf and was very involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He had planned to visit Brazil in the fall to compete in Jiu Jitsu with his teammates from Gabriel Gladiator.
Niko leaves behind his loving family, his mother Betsy Sierra of Longmeadow and her partner Edward Burt. His father Edward Sierra and his wife Veronica of Palm Coast Fl. His brothers Austin, Leo and Benjamin Sierra all of Longmeadow, a sister Melanie of Palm Coast. Aunts and Uncles Jim and Lori Regan, Kathleen Mitchell, Kathleen Regan, Robert , Brenda, Charlie, Jose and David Sierra. Great Aunt Marie Campbell, grandparents , Jose Sierra and Dolores Maldonado and numerous cousins. His dear friends Anthony Yanni and family, Ethan Ostermeyer and family of whom he was a proud Godfather to Ava; and countless other close friends. Niko is predeceased by his Uncle Michael Regan and grandparents Leo and Jeanette Regan.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday September 2nd, 2021 from 3-8pm in Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation, 220 N. Main St. East Longmeadow MA. Funeral services are Friday September 3rd, 2021 starting at 10:00am at the funeral home, followed by a Catholic Mass at 11:00am at St. Mary's Church in Longmeadow MA. Burial at Longmeadow cemetery on Williams St.
Memorial donations can be made towards the Niko Sierra Athletic Scholarship Fund being set up in his name. Paladin Wealth Partners, ℅ Alison Donnelly , CRPC® , AIF ®, AAMS ® PO Box 15308, Tower Square, Springfield, MA 01115