I guess we became closer after my mom passed I was 9 my brother was 15 yrs old. He took me under his wing and was a big influence in my life all  bad of course like drinking, concerts, girls ,casinos, gambling , poker etc lol . The memories of Our trips to Vegas, AC ,Spain and Florida the day after Christmas I will treasure forever. He bravely fought stage 4 cancer for 4 yrs to 5 yrs and never complained about it and how bad it was. I guess He didn’t want me and my mom to worry . It’s  gonna be really hard not having him around to talk to anymore and complain about our “bad beats” and how bad our beloved Jets and Knicks are. I miss him more and more each day. I’ll miss texting each other “Any action?”everyday . At least he’s not suffering anymore. I would like to thank Shelly,his best friend Gail who was by his side taking care of him from the beginning and especially Mai, and Shira who brought so much joy in his life. He told me many times “kid you don’t know how lucky I am to have these kids in my life”
Love you forever Nev 
Your little brother Rudy

“Nev the Rave”My cousin and incredible friend. Going back to when he was a baby and fussing in his crib! I would come visit and make him laugh! I came to NY in 1967 and we grew up together! Three houses later we had our share of fun! He was a fun big brother to Rudy and the three of us grew very close after their mom (and my aunt) Vilma passed away! We certainly made many good memories! He knew how to party and would  get in trouble with his dad, zio Lino. He introduced me to the NY nightlife scene and we  danced many nights away! We shared some great meals especially the homemade gnocchi Zia Flora made us! After I moved to California Nevio came to visit regularly and we continued to have more fun! We also met in Vegas and had a blast! He loved to travel and was thirsty for adventures and never stopped to explore what life had to offer! When I moved to Belmont he helped me move and first night here he said he didn’t sleep well as it was “too quiet”!! When I visited him in NY, of course, no sleep  with the loudness of the City! He teased me every chance he got! We loved shopping together in NY! He had a great sense of style! I will miss our conversations, silly texts, visits back East or West! He made some good friendships here and he will always be remembered fondly! I miss you so much cous! Cheers! Love you, Cousin Marisa ❤️🍸

Two years ago in NYC with Nevio, Rudy & Diego! Good times

In Mali Losinj with my brother Damir & Nevio

enjoying a cocktail in Redwood City before a concert

My brother’s favorite saying was
“I’d rather live like a lion for a day
Than a sheep the rest of my life”

This is to you buddy,
Oktoberfest will never be the same without you. 
Salute
Shelly

An ocean of sadness, a huge dark void is what you left in my heart and my family's heart when you left us this week.
I met you in the summer of 1993, and did not realize when you found me my first apartment in Manhattan, in your very own building, that this was a beginning of a beautiful friendship that will span for 32 years and will include my entire family and friends. Your joy of living and unconventional way of thinking , your generosity of heart and non judgmental attitude, your empathy and positiveness, made us the best friends forever. When our daughters Mai & Shira were born I discovered in you another facet all together, you loved them and cared for them, took them to the playground, back from school whenever you could and visited every day to spend quality time with them, not to mention helping with math homework 😅 there was not a single day that passed by that you would miss on seeing them.
You celebrated with us every holiday, birthday and milestone, joined us on most of our trips as you were the easy going traveler, our buddy and the girl's mentor and "big brother".
We are really broken hearted to have seen you in your toughest days but prefer to remember you in your best of days, laughing in the sun on exotic beaches, discovering yet another European City, and planning your next seat at the world champion of Poker in Vegas...
Thank you thank you thank you for who you were and will always be for us, there is no one in the world that can replace you. We hope you continue your beautiful Legacy in heaven. 🙏
♥️ Yael and Shelly ♥️

Nevo always brought the humor into our lives, he reminded us to to laugh and live big. I will miss him until the end of days, his legacy will inspire me forever. Nevo would pick me up after elementary school to get pizza, and that was always my favorite  part of the day. I recall chatting with him about his worldwide travels, where he would open a map and photos and show me all the fascinating places he had visited. He always encouraged me to travel and see the world for myself.

Nevo was and is the greatest gift for my sister and I. I was lucky to have him in my life for the last 21 years, from the moment I was born until I became an adult. He was our best buddy, and never failed to show us what true love looks like. We enjoyed many beautiful vacations together, often to Bonaire, where he taught us how to windsurf. He spent countless hours with us at the rings in Riverside Park, teaching us how to fly. We played chess and poker, went biking, laughed together, and he even helped us with math homework all those years. 

Nevo always knew just what to say, he gave me advice on any of life's challenges. I wish I could make him just one more espresso that he loved so much, but I know he is on a beach somewhere in heaven playing poker in the sun. He would get up to leave and say "I have people to see and places to go." Nevo would miraculously show up in New York when I was walking downtown with friends or family, and I know he will continue to appear in my life in creative ways. I am determined to live like he did, happy. He always gave more than he took, and for that I will be forever thankful. You will always be family to me. Love you, Nevo.

Nevo 											
									
To love a bird in flight
To chase a fading hour
To capture an ember’s might
Is to immortalize a flower. 

The shifting tide
Shall whisper your name 
You always seemed to find 
The sun shining on our days. 

The wind beneath our sails
The flight on our every step
When you departed beyond our realm
Even the earth wept. 

By fate your were our gift
As we were yours
If only time could lend us 
Just one laugh more. 

Never fond of goodbyes
Even in leaving you chose
To disappear into the pines
Where the wind is stowed. 

I shall traverse the world like you
Harness the sweet present 
Find the silver in the blues
Never let regret torment. 

You were our puzzle piece 
To complete our youthful years
On earth we hold a brief lease
From dust to dust, a garden of tears. 

One day we shall reunite
On a sunny shore far from now
We’ll have much to say 
Thank you for the best of days.

I always remember you so fondly when I used to come from Israel to visit my daughter Yael, Shelly and my granddaughters Mai & Shira. I was always stunned by the love and care you're given them, always with a smile and patience. You were the first friend Yael has introduced to us when  me and my wife Maia came in 1996, we immediately knew what a kind, smart and caring person you are.
You will be Miss from our lives forever and thank you for everything and for being YOU!
This poem I wrote for you, Nevio :
Amidst the waves of life, he sailed, 
A dear friend, his heart full of light. 
Now he rests in eternal shade, 
Leaving us, yet forever in our sight.
Stars in the sky flicker in his name,
 Every tear that falls sings of his way. 
And now you're missed, 
yet in hearts you stay.
Like a flower plucked before its bloom, 
He left us quietly, without a word. 
The memories with him
 will always loom,

You didn’t want to tell me how  bad you were because you knew how soft I was and you didn’t want me to worry…I wish I could’ve helped you… At least your not suffering anymore, even though you told me you weren’t.  Gonna miss you more and more as time goes on- especially texting you during Knicks and Jets games and complaining about our bad beats… You were a great listener and an even better brother.  I was lucky to have you as a big brother.  Love you forever kid.  Rudy :)

From when I was little, Nevio always seemed like a larger-than-life character. World traveler, poker player, beach aficionado... he always had an exciting story to tell, and his enthusiasm about the things he was passionate about was contagious. 

He had an incredibly generous disposition, and I'll never forget that when his cousin Marisa's daughter (me) was visiting New York from the West Coast, he didn't hesitate to offer to host me, which he did with easygoing kindness. 

Nevio confidently lived as his most authentic self, which I've greatly admired. I will miss his exuberant laughter and adventurous spirit.

After my wife and I had my civil wedding in 2021, we were able to visit New York. While my wife Nadia is taking the picture here and we unfortunately didn’t all get one together, I was so pleased that they got to meet. It was Nadia’s first time in New York City, and she really enjoyed having Nevio show us around, and spending time with him.

Nevio visited the Bay Area, and him, myself, and my mom Marisa knocked area San Francisco. Grabbing bites to eat and drinks in different areas.

Nevio is my first cousin once removed, but was always like an uncle to me and I looked up to him. Both as a kid and an adult, I enjoyed hearing his stories and experiences of international travel, poker games, and more. Nevio lived a very exciting life, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.

In loving memory of Nevio, a cherished friend who graced our lives with his warmth and kindness. We first met him through his wonderful cousin Marisa, and our hearts instantly connected during his visits to California. His generous spirit shone brightly as he helped us set up our restaurant, transforming it into a festive haven ready for its grand opening. Nevio effortlessly made us feel as if we were family, instilling confidence in us and enveloping us in love with his unique charm. We will always treasure our last adventure meeting up in Barcelona, where his adventurous soul truly blossomed. May he rest in peace, knowing he is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. 

With love,  
Crystal & Renzo Azzarello xXx

My friend, I am saddened that you are no longer here.  You brought so much sunshine into many lives.

I have known you since 1976, meeting you at my first job in New York City.  I inspired you to move to Manhattan from Bayside, Queens, and of course you became a Manhattanite and loved every minute.  You inspired me to get my MBA from Pace University, while you were attending, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Guy and I will miss you.

Velma Jackson-Wilkins

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Nevio for 58 years, ever since we met in 7th grade at St. Sebastian’s in Woodside in 1967. From that moment on, he became one of my closest and most trusted friends. We shared countless adventures over the years, and his support, especially when it came to my family and daughters, meant the world to me. Even after I moved to California, we made sure to stay in touch, maintaining a friendship that was as strong and genuine as ever. Nevio’s presence in my life was something truly special — we always got along, and I will forever be grateful for the bond we shared. As I reflect on his life, I pray for the peace of his soul, trusting that he is in God’s loving care. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

To my old friend Nevio.
May you rest easy my friend. You are no longer in pain or stressed out (though you never showed it or get the best of you) over your illness.
Thank you for for sharing your thoughts over taxes, real estate, social security, cancer and more. May you score big at the largest poker conference in the heavens. 
We go way back to our high school days. So our memories are plenty. I will pray for you daily and miss you greatly brother.

OBITUARY

Nevio Nicolich

8 December, 1954 – 22 February, 2025

Frederick Funeral Home

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