Tributes

Nicholas "Nick" Belkin, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Turlock, CA, on August 22, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on December 19, 1952, in San Francisco, CA, Nicholas grew up in Russian River, CA, and spent his later years living in Mulford Gardens and San Leandro, CA, before settling in Turlock on June 30, 2017. Nicholas married the love of his life, Rachel Ann Ferrantino-Belkin, on June 26, 2005, in San Lorenzo, CA. After high school, he moved up to Canada and bought a farm. After living in Canada for several years, he moved back to CA and started his own business repairing race boats, as well as, racing them. For a short time, he worked for the Ford Motor Co. as a mechanic. He then began working in the construction business until his retirement. Nicholas was a member of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. He was an outstanding hunter from a young age. He raced speedboats. He enjoyed building things. His passion was camping. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, exploring the mountains. He enjoyed collecting firearms. He loved to garden. His parents purchased a Harley Davison motorcycle for Nick while he was in high school and he has ridden all his life. Nicholas is survived by his wife, Rachel Ferrantino-Belkin of Turlock, CA; sons, Nicholas C. Belkin (Caitlin) of Oakley, CA, and David A. Ferrantino (Renee) of Hayward, CA; sister, Nicole (Robert) McCrary of Fairfield, CA; brother, Adrian Belkin of Northern CA; mother-in-law, Teofila L. Herrera of Turlock, CA; brother-in-law, Ramon G. Gonzales of Turlock, CA; sister-in-law, Patricia F. Chavez of San Leandro, CA; grandson, Dominic D. Ferrantino of Hayward, CA; nephew, Cesar S. Chavez of San Leandro, CA; and his beloved cats, Potter and Midnight. He was preceded in death by his mother, Galina B. Popkoff; stepfather, Oleg B. Popkoff; father, Nicholas A. Belkin; and stepmother, Natalie Belkin. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home. Nicholas's life will be celebrated and remembered as one filled with love and a spirit for adventure.

Tributes

Nicholas Nick Belkin

December 19, 1952 - August 22, 2025