Nicholas Joseph Marotta

It seems only fitting to begin a eulogy for the movie-quote king by quoting Zoolander: “Oh, I thought you were going to tell me what a bad eugoogalizer I am … A eugoogalizer, one who speaks at funerals. Or did you think I’d be too stupid to know what a eugoogalizer was?”

If you spent any time at all with Nicholas, you know he was, in fact, the movie quote king—sometimes to the dismay of anyone watching a movie with him. When he wasn’t quoting movies, he was crying at them. Yes, Nicholas was the sensitive one in his marriage! A true gentle giant.

But behind the sappy tears was also incredible strength. For years, Nicholas faced the relentless progression of Parkinson’s disease. It was a heavy burden to carry, but he bore it with such grace and grit that he never let it define him or dampen his spirit. He refused to let the world see the struggle, choosing instead to focus on the things that brought him life.

He was a true Renaissance man: a martial artist who valued discipline, a musician who found peace with his guitars, and a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He wore his uniform with a deep sense of pride and honor, embodying the values of service and integrity in everything he did. Above all, his life was anchored by his faith and his devotion to his family and friends. Nicholas was a man of profound character who taught us that you can be strong enough to lead yet gentle enough to cry.