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A lifelong resident of Woodland Park, Nicola was a freshman at Passaic Valley High School. According to his obituary on the Santangelo Funeral Home website, Nicola participated in the Woodland Park recreational basketball and baseball teams, the travel basketball team, and the Totowa Tigers football team. He was also on the freshman football team at Passaic Valley High School.
As the oldest of three, Nicola was a pillar of love and support for his brother and sister, his obituary says.
"Known for his vibrant spirit, infectious kindness, and remarkable sense of humor, Nicola had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to everyone around him," his obituary continues. "His laughter and smile were a gift to those fortunate enough to know him and will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends."
Nicola's death prompted an outpouring of support on social media, where neighbors and friends collected donations for his family.
Nicola is survived by his parents, Lauren (Zych) and Alessandro Colangelo; siblings Alessandro Aniello Colangelo and Luciana Colangelo; aunts and uncles Robert Zych and his wife Carla, Matthew Zych, Aniello Colangelo, and Margherita Colangelo and her husband Mario; along with many cousins, teammates, and friends.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Annette and Robert Zych and Giuditta and Nicola Colangelo.
Dozens of condolences poured in for the Colangelo Family on the funeral home website and beyond.
"Dear Lauren and Alessandro,There are no words to express our profound grief at the passing of Nicola! Just know he will forever be in our hearts," one family wrote.
"I’ll miss seeing your smile and laugh every day at school," one of Nicola's peers wrote. "I’ll miss saying your nickname with the extra Ys at the end and then asking how you are with a handshake. I hope you rest easy bud and we all will miss you dearly."
Visitation is set for Sunday, March 16 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Santangelo Funeral Home in Woodland Park. A funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m. at St. James of the Marches Church in Totowa. Entombment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Click here for Nicola's complete obituary on the Santangelo Funeral Home website.
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