Mr. Francis “Frank” Nickola, age 79 , of Division Street, Salamanca, New York died Saturday morning, September 19, 2009 at Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, New York from heart failure.
Born on February 24, 1930 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late George & Julia Pasto Nickola (Nyciacha). He was married on August 12, 1961 in St. Patrick’s Church, Salamanca, New York to the former Patricia “Pat” Ahrens who survives.
Mr. Nickola was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict.
He was employed with the New York State Division of Youth in Great Valley, New York as a General Mechanic for over 25 years retiring in 1991. He had previously been employed with the B & O Railroad on the bridge gang for over 10 years.
Mr. Nickola was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, Holy Cross Athletic Club, Salamanca Chapter of A.A.R.P., Salamanca Area Senior Citizens Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed his flower gardens and was an avid card player. He loved baseball and his New York Yankees.
Surviving besides his wife are: twin daughters, Christine (Michael P.) Hannon, Flower Mound, Texas, Kathleen (Joseph) Stevens, North 15th Street, Olean, New York; one granddaughter, Jillian Nicole Stevens, Olean, New York; 3 sisters, Theresa (Zigmond) Slevinski, Allegany, New York, Stephanie Mikolajczyk, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Tetla “Tillie” Dodo, Minnesota; several nieces, nephews, great friends and neighbors.
He was predeceased by 4 sisters, Rose Mikolajczyk, Mary Mikolajczyk, Josephine Mater, Angela Nickola, 3 brothers, Joseph Nickola, Stanley Nickola, and John Nickola.
Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Wednesday from 4-8 P.M. at which time funeral services will be held with Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Our Lady of Peace Parish Memorial Fund or the Salamanca Area Senior Citizen’s Center.
E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.
