Nicholas L. Cuff

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Nicholas (Nick) L. Cuff

Stratham – Nicholas L. Cuff, 29, of Stratham NH died suddenly, Wednesday, August 22, 2012 in Kittery, Maine.

He was born January 31, 1983 in Portland, ME; the son of Lester L. Jr. and JoEllen (Sparling) Cuff.

Nicholas lived most of his life in Stratham and was a 2001 graduate of Exeter Area High School. Nicholas had an interest in film making dating back to his childhood which resonated in junior high school with his first science fair claymation video. He was selected to attended Boston University’s summer program “Television, Film, and Radio Production” as a junior in high school. Following graduation at EAHS, Nick pursued his love of film and attended Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ. He graduated in 2008 with an Associate’s Degree in Digital and Film Arts by working part time in culinary and attending the college part-time. While at Pima, Nick directed and produced several inspired short films and music videos. He was chosen by the college’s Advanced Cinematography department to be Art Director, Location Manager, and Set Construction Manager for the college’s 2008 annual project film release “Yes Is Better Than No”. The film is the adaptation of a novel concerning modern day Native American Indian Life in Tucson, AZ. As a member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe of New Jersey, he premiered the film at the tribal Powwow in 2008.

When returning to New Hampshire in 2009, he most recently worked as a Sous Chef for Surf Restaurant in Portsmouth; prior to this he worked as a Chef for North Beach Bar & Grill in Hampton.

Nick’s strongest bond was his friends. He had lifelong friends from the NH seacoast area that continued to be his support network. Nick was a dedicated worker and devoted friend to all those who knew him.

In addition to his parents, family members include his fiancé, Laura Besenaite, of Lithuania, his sister Nicole M. Sheaff, her husband Jeremy of Exeter, nephews Bryan and Nathan, and niece Arlena, all of Exeter NH. Nick was also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins in both upstate NY and Southern NJ.

Nicholas was predeceased by his brother, Christopher L.L. Cuff and his maternal and paternal grandparents Joseph & Margaret Sparling, Lester Sr. & Marion Cuff.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 11 AM at the Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Road, Exeter. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and may visit with the family Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in the Exeter NH Cemetery following cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check to the: “Nicholas L. Cuff Scholarship Foundation” and mailed to NorthEast Credit Union, PO Box 1240, Portsmouth NH 03802. The scholarship fund will be awarded to Exeter Area High School senior graduates who will be pursuing a “Digital and Film Arts” degree. The foundation’s purpose will help a student pursue the love of film that Nicholas embraced during his brief time with us.

Stockbridge Funeral Home invites you to post your entries of love and support for the family. All postings are monitored and any inappropriate posts will be immediately deleted. Thanks in advance for your respect for the family.

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