Nicholas (Nick) Saleik
June 8, 1942 - June 10, 2022
Nicholas (Nick) Saleik, born to Anna (Hatala) Saleik and Alex Saleik, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on June 10, 2022 at the age of 80 years old, in his hometown of Silver Spring, Maryland. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.
Nick began his career in 1963 as an order controller for Merrill Lynch where he remained for 17 years. He then embarked on a new career path with the Metro Transit Authority as a bus driver for 27 years, and retired in 2007.
Nick had a zest for life, a love of God, unwavering strength and faith, and above all else, immeasurable and unconditional love for his family and friends. Nick was funny, had a great sense of humor, and made everyone around him smile and laugh. He was a diehard Steelers and NATs fan. He loved playing any kind of sport, and always showed up to watch, support and coach his children and grandchildren and cheer them on. He also loved westerns, classics, and faith-based movies.
As a child, Nick was portrayed as a hoodlum, resembling James Dean, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer and singing doo wop on the street corner with his buddies. Nick met the love of his life, Audrey, while stealing hubcaps with those buddies, being chased by police, when Audrey, who was attending a CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) Dance, opened the doors and let them in to hide. At fourteen years of age, she turned to her best friend and said, "I'm going to marry that kid someday." And that she did.
Nick married his best friend and was a kind, loving and faithful husband to his wife, Audrey, of 58-1/2 years, technically together for 63-1/2 years - oh what a love story and example to be shared; an amazing, supportive and loving father to his daughter and son, and the absolute best grandfather to his two grandsons whom he adored and brought him so much joy. He was a 'big' part of our small family. He instilled in each of us to always show respect and to be kind to everyone. That is how he lived his life each and every day.
One of Nick's biggest accomplishments was being a father. He had always wanted children and considered himself lucky enough to have two. His children, Kimberley and Jeffrey, called their dad a superhero, and even as adults, still see him that way. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life had to offer and that family should always come first.
Nick was predeceased in death by his mother, Anna (Hatala) Saleik; his father, Alex Saleik; his brother, Alex Saleik, Jr. and sister-in-law, Peggy Saleik; his brother Charles Saleik; and his son-in-law James Michael Lindon. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Audrey; his loving daughter Kimberley and son Jeffrey (Mae Saleik); and his precious grandchildren Ryan Nicholas Saleik and Tyler James Saleik; his sister Patricia (Patty) Saleik, and his sister-in-law Addie Saleik.
A Catholic Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at Church of The Resurrection located at
3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, MD 20866 on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department at https://www.bvfd.com/support/donate-online/, an organization Nick felt strongly about.
