John M. “Jack” Nicolette
February 18, 1929 - August 22, 2021
Visitation: Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home Inc. Ross Twp.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial in St. John Neumann Church Thursday 11:00 a.m.
John M. Nicolette “Jack” of Franklin Park, Pennsylvania passed away on August 22, 2021 at UPMC Passavant Hospital.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jack was a gentle, kind, humble gentleman who loved others in so many ways. Jack was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters, Nelson, Dr. Anthony J., Vernon and his twin brother, Dr. James E., Mary Louise LaRocca, Anne Catizone, and Helen (Betty) Corry. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Betty (Baker) of 54 years, daughter Lisa, sons Jon, Chad (Jessica) and granddaughter Madison and sister Kathleen Cecil. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Jack was born in Mt. Pleasant, PA the son of the late James Nicolette and Angela Nicolette (Santora). After graduating from the former Ramsay High School and then serving in the Army Security Agency in Virginia, he eventually attended the Philadelphia School of Optics to become an optician. After several years, he opened his own office as an optician and remained in business for thirty plus years. Jack was gifted in the art of music and playing the piano (since the age of 7) was his passion, so he combined his career doubling as an optician and jazz pianist. As a musician, he enjoyed playing with several prominent musicians and band leaders including Benny Benackand Harold Betters. He was well known for playing at many local Pittsburgh clubs but one of his favorite gigs was playing at Roseland in New York. Later in life he enjoyed playing piano at UPMC Passavant Hospital as a volunteer. He was also a member of the Pittsburgh Musicians Union.
Friends and Family will be received at the Devlin Funeral Home Inc. 806 Perry Hwy, North Hills. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, August 25, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neuman Church on Thursday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment would be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. All those planning to attend, please gather at the church. Contributions may be made if so desired to St. John Neuman’s Church or the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.
I am so sorry about Uncle Jack. He was always very kind, and we will miss him. What a great musician. Very inspiring for me, and at my next show, I will sing a song dedicated to him. God bless Aunty Betty and all the family. Our sadness and love.
Chad & Jess,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If you need anything let me know. Thinking about you and your family.
Love
Liz
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Peter and I send our condolences to the family.
Uncle Jack, you will be missed by so many! You were a great Uncle to all of us…kind, funny and oh so talented! I have lots of memories of you that I will always hold close to my heart. Prayers for all the family and friends. Rest in Peace!
Uncle Jack was always such a delight when he visited or when we spoke on the phone! Oh how much he loved animals!
He will be dearly missed by many!
Sending hugs to all as we will be out of town and not able to be at the funeral home or funeral.
With our love and sympathy,
Shelley & Denny Earhart
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Jack. He took care of everyone with his calm, caring personality. And I always loved being with him at Hartwood Acres and other places around town, while he performed on the piano. Truly amazing! You will be missed. Say hi to my Dad and Mom in Heaven.
May God watch over you and your family during this time of loss.
So sorry to hear about Uncle Jack. So many wonderful memories, a lifetime actually. Praying for the Lord to cover the whole family with His Peace and Love.