Michael William Nicosia

Michael W. Nicosia, Las Vegas, Nevada formerly of Dunmore, died on January 9, 2019 in Las Vegas in the arms of his daughter Janet. His wife, the former Jacklyn Vess passed away March 29, 2011. He was the son of the late Cataldo and Catalda (Catherine) Nicosia of Dunmore.

Born in 1927, he went to Dunmore High School and University of Pennsylvania Wharton School extension program. He spent his first 26 years in Dunmore moving to Las Vegas in 1953 at a time when the city was in its infancy. He soon became one of Las Vegas’s most prominent citizens running for political office and was a lobbyist for Las Vegas horserace track, Las Vegas Downs. He moved to the growing city when there were only a handful of casinos with nothing more than a suitcase of clothes, a few bucks and a never ending desire to better himself with a voice “Go west young man” and become someone his parents could be proud of. He started a career as a food vendor on the famous Las Vegas Strip but his goals were much bigger. After a long struggle, he set his eye on the city’s ever growing construction business and ultimately opened his own company, Nicosia Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal. He headed the company and worked seven days a week until it became one of the most successful construction businesses in the City. In addition to his air conditioning company, Michael was an avid horse enthusiast and owner. He owned and trained 16 Thoroughbred race horses several of which earned many titles at various racetracks across the country. His prize horse, Movin n’ Groovin, named after his daughter Janet after she went to cheerleader camp, had won many Stakes Races in Arizona. In 1966 he won a National Award as one of the “Top Men in Business Under 40”. In Scranton (1958) and Las Vegas (1963) he served as President of the Jaycees and was Grand Marshall in Helldorado Day Parade and other parades. Upon a return visit to Scranton in the late 1960’s was given the “Keys to the City” from the Mayor of Scranton.

Michael was a wonderful Son, Father, Uncle, Cousin and a generous friend to many. He never wavered in his devotion to family and friends who needed a helping hand. He was a larger than life figurehead who was determined to find the meaning of life wherever it would take him. Along his journey, no matter how tough the roads, or how many sorrowful mistakes and grateful successes, Michael always stood by his principles and his strong belief in God and Family. He stood tall and proud in everything he did always remembering the less fortunate. He loved life and lived it to the fullest and always with class as a true gentleman.

Along with his daughter Janet Nicosia-Schroeder, husband Ian and grandchildren Nonabella and Colin of Seattle, he is also survived by a son Michael Jr, his wife Susan and grandchildren Robert, Christine, Michael III, Carla, and Anna and many great grandchildren including Michael IV! Daughter Kathleen Coyne, husband James and grandsons Kory and James Jr. and great grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister Isabelle Bonavoglia, Scranton.

Also preceded in death by a sister Grace and five brothers Carl, Salvatore, Joseph, Anthony, John

The family would like to thank his many doctors and nurses, especially his doctor and friend Dr Shehata, his wonderful next door neighbor Pam Marvel that checked on him every day and would bring him the paper and grace him with Her dance stories, also friends Grace and Greg Osan and his Godson Ethan. Most importantly we would like to thank Annette McWhorter for her wonderful care and friendship to Michael. He would often say he would not be here without Annette! Annette was also the caregiver for Jacklyn and helped our family for many years.

The funeral and burial will be in Scranton, Pennsyvania. There will be a memorial service in the summer at St Viators Church.

Donations may be made in his name to Michael’s favorite charities-Red Cloud Indian School in South Dakota, St Benedict School in Seattle, or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.