Anthony A. Nicolich III

Anthony Alexander Nicolich III passed away on the morning of Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 85. A native of New Orleans, LA, Anthony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marie Willig Nicolich; half-sisters Marjorie Nicolich Pane and Brenda Judice; half-brother Alan Joseph Nicolich; and three children, Gwennith Byars (Bobby), Jannith Gros (Larry), and Anthony Nicolich IV (Shari). Anthony was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” to his eight grandchildren, Jessica Chevis (Tate), Brian Nicolich (Morgan), Steven Chevis, Amy Samples (Clint), Christopher Nicolich (Cameille), Eric Gros (Min Yao), Hayley Rymer (Zachary), and David Gros. In his later years, he was overjoyed by the arrival of his six great-grandchildren—Elliot, Dominic, Harris, Wyatt, Millie Jane, and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Alexander Nicolich, Jr.; his mother, Antoinette Packard Musemeche; his stepmother, Marjorie Stoll Nicolich; and his brothers, Ronald Nicolich and John Nicolich.

Anthony grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans and later settled in Metairie where he and Marie lived for nearly 70 years (though he never lost his endearing Ninth Ward accent). Together, they owned and operated a successful company installing burglar and fire alarm systems in homes and businesses throughout Greater New Orleans and the Northshore. Anthony lived a life of service to others and was a dedicated member of the Louisiana Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, Rotary Club of Metairie, Sertoma International, Men of Manresa, and the Model A Ford Club of America (New Orleans A’s). He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Ann Church & Shrine and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Anthony’s loved ones will fondly remember his appreciation of good food, especially sweets and New Orleans classics. He had a knack for finding the best spots for roast beef or oyster po-boys, boiled seafood, and good French bread. His children will never forget Sunday mornings spent with their dad enjoying donuts, banana fritters, and French bread with mayonnaise or dipped in coffee.

Above all, Anthony’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed the days spent fishing and boating with his kids, eating boiled crabs on the back patio with his grandchildren, and Facetiming with his great-grandchildren. Anthony’s extended family and close friends equally treasured their time with him. He was like a second father to many of them. During his 80th birthday celebration, “he’s always been there for me” was a constant refrain. He was both tough as nails and as gentle and affectionate as they come. He had an infectious sense of humor and was selfless, courageous, and resilient. Anthony’s family will forever cherish his memory and feel immense gratitude for the gift of being loved by him.

A visitation will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA, on Thursday, May 23 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm. immediately followed by an internment at Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Anthony’s family extends their gratitude to the many medical professionals at Ochsner Medical Center for the care that significantly extended his life, the caretakers who compassionately cared for him in recent months and the staff of The Hospice House in Slidell, LA, for their excellent care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Anthony’s memory to The Hospice House by visiting https://thehospicehouse.org/.