Nicholas R. "Nick" Cerio, 62, of Windmere Way, a world-renowned martial arts professor and the founder of Nick Cerio's Kenpo, died Wednesday at Kent County Memorial Hospital.

Born in Boston, he was a son of Margaret (Russo) Clouse of Providence and the Late Nicholas Cerio and the stepson of Alice Cerio of North Providence. He lived in Providence most of his life.

Grand Master Cerio, a 10th degree belt, was one of America's founders and foremost innovators of kenpo karate, and an internationally recognized martial-arts figure. In 1968, he founded Nick Cerio's Kenpo, and in 1988 the Nick Cerio's International Martial Arts Association (NCIMAA), which united many styles within the martial arts. In 1989, his system of martial arts was officially recognized and awarded above ranking status, and he was give the title of professor by the World Council of Soke's.

He built up an organization of more than 65 Nick Cerio Kenpo and associate schools in the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa. He produced many martial arts champions throughout his 40 years of training and was inducted into numerous halls of fame worldwide.

He was the author of several books, teaching guides, videotapes and the NCIMAA magazine. A martial arts community spokesman said, "Professor Cerio will live forever in all of us who he has touched, and never shall be forgotten".

He was an Air Force veteran.

Besides his mother and stepmother, he leaves a brother, Frank Cerio of Johnston; four sisters, Florence Armenti of Providence, Dolores Ross and Jacqueline Ciano, both of Johnston, and Joni O'Rielly of Glocester; a stepson, William Ambrosia, and a companion, Michaela Collins, both of Warwick; a stepdaughter, Maria Kowalski in New Hampshire; and three step-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Margaret "Peggy" Montini.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 8 a.m. from Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 in St. Kevin Church, Sandy Lane. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston.

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