outstanding accomplishments, hard work, friendships, business relationships, heated political
discussions, athletic endurance marathons that included coaching and cycling, health issues,
and the like, but what will be remembered first and foremost is the life and love he shared with
his wife, Kathleen, their daughter Diane, her husband, Craig and their two children, Maximus
and Cooper.
In addition to his immediate family, Rich is survived by his sister, Carleen, her husband Vincent
Pugliese, their sons Steven and Vincent along with Vincent’s wife, Elizabeth and their three children,
his nephew Richard Nicolois, his mother in law Vincenza Gabriel, and sister in law Eileen Walsh.
He will also be missed by his companion, Lori Cotellessa.
Rich was the third child born to Rose and Anthony Nicolois joining older siblings Anthony
(deceased 12/2019) and Carleen. He attended neighborhood public schools and graduated
from Jamaica High School in 1967. Furthermore, he attended CCD at the Church of the
Incarnation where he and his wife Kathleen were married on April 29, 1973.
Growing up he was involved in Boy Scouts of America where his Dad, fondly known as NICK,
was the scoutmaster, rising to the level of Eagle Scout and continued his love of camping with
yearly trips to Lake George with childhood buddies. At a Boy Scout dance, he met the love of his
life and future wife when he was 16 and she was just 15 years old. Their love blossomed and
endured during their 7 years of courtship and 42 years of marriage until Kaye’s untimely death
on January 20, 2015.
Rich continued his education at Queensborough Community College while working at Cea
Brothers (Beverage Distributors) and under the mentorship of Dr. LaSalla, he honed his
extraordinary talent and computer skills. His education was interrupted as he served his
country in the National Guard during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Captain. He
completed his Bachelor’s degree at Queens College and in 1990 while working full time at Bear
Stearns and coaching his daughter’s various athletic teams he received his MBA in Finance from the prestigious Stern School of Business at New York University.
In 1996 Rich and Kaye started their business, Web Enterprise Builders, LTD., dedicated to web
development for small companies and schools. In 2000, they expanded to include client server
applications, server installation, maintenance and support, hardware evaluation, recommendations and installation. As their company grew, they supported clients in the financial and legal professions as well as in medicine, dentistry, photography, manufacturing, sanitation, sporting goods, fashion, insurance, and cellular rentals. Rich was the technical expert, while Kaye oversaw customer service. Truly a match made in heaven and a winning combination that helped build a successful business.
Rich and Kaye both loved animals, especially cats. At one time there were at least 10 inside
cats and over 20 visiting strays. They were all fed daily and provided shelter during the
inclement and harsh winters. He would catch strays and take them to the local veterinarian for
wellness checks as well as to be neutered. One of Rich’s greatest concerns while he was
hospitalized was the care of his fur babies.
In 2012 -13 Rich was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia known as AML…which had
a very poor survival rate. With sheer mental and physical determination, the love and support
of family and friends, a bone marrow donor from Germany, and prayers, Rich successfully
overcame this cancer. He approached his rehabilitation/recovery in the same manner that he
would resolve a client’s technical issues…step by step, hard work, research and determination.
As part of his physical rehabilitation, Rich took up cycling with some neighborhood friends and
rode 25-50 miles on day trips. His cycling buddies were a great source of comfort to him when
Kaye passed and continued to help him fully recover his physical health.
In late December, Rich contracted the flu and developed a MRSA infection in his spine. These
concurrent conditions strained his immune system and caused failure of his major organ
systems which led to his untimely death on January 21, 2020….70 years of love, friendship and
wonderful memories….and almost 5 years to the day his dear Kaye was called home… he has
joined her. True love never dies.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18