He was born on November 17, 1955 in Whiting, Indiana to Nicholas and Irene Vuksanovic. He was known as Nick to all of us and most lovingly as Nicky to his family. He was raised in Whiting, Indiana and later moved to Naperville, Illinois when his family relocated there. Nick proudly served as a jet mechanic in the U.S. Navy for four years, on shore and at sea on aircraft carriers. After serving our country and being honorably discharged, he completed additional training to become a certified aviation maintenance technician. Nick soon joined American Airlines at DFW and loyally served the airline for 35 years, ensuring the safety of the aircraft, crews and millions of passengers.
Nick settled in Texas and made it his home for most of his life. He loved airplanes and cars, and was fascinated with both. He was an avid fan of car racing, car shows, and car refurbishing as well as being a top-notch mechanic. Nick’s attraction to mechanics was only surpassed by his love and devotion to animals. A kind, generous and gentle soul, he gave and received affection from every animal he encountered. Nick was generous and loving to his family and friends, an absolute joy to be around, had a heart of gold, and was an all-around awesome person. The world was a better place because of Nick and he will be deeply missed.
Nick was predeceased by his brother Michael and his father Nicholas. He is survived by his mother, Irene, his brother, James, and his sisters, Carol, Deborah and Andrea (Anthony), numerous nieces, nephews and friends, his fellow professional colleagues at American Airlines, and his most loved and devoted companions, Cody and Molly.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to a local animal rescue shelter or the U.S. Humane Society to honor Nicky’s devotion and love for animals.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 11am to 1pm and from 4pm to 7pm, at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel, located at 6001 Rufe Snow Dr., Fort Worth, Texas 76148.
Visitation will also be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home of Crown Point, Indiana on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 8:30am to 9:30am, after which a Funeral Service will follow. Nicholas will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park.
