David "Dave" Nickoli

David M. Nickoli, 77, of Norwalk, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at University Hospital in Cleveland. He was born on June 16, 1948, in Norwalk, Ohio to Lawrence and Gladys Nickoli (Cox). Dave was a student of St. Paul High School and a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He had a lifelong career in the construction field, starting his career at Paul E. Bleile Company then working at Underground Utilities and later founding Buckeye Excavating & Construction in 1998. Dave, “Dizzy” to those who knew him, was a master in his field. He was highly respected by his peers and a mentor to many.

Dave married the love of his life, Kathryn (Fitzgerald) on May 6th, 1967. They were married for 58 wonderful years, which were spent raising their two sons and being surrounded by their family, who he loved more than anything. Dave was “Grandpa Dave” to both his grandchildren and everyone that knew him. He loved nothing more than to help anyone who needed it and was always a phone call away whenever you needed him.

A jack of all trades and master of a few, if Grandpa Dave couldn’t fix it, no one could. You could always count on him to call you a “Wacker” or make your day with a witty remark. He had the best sense of humor and if he was in the room, laughter could always be heard.

Grandpa enjoyed classic cars, motorcycles, and anything with a motor. He was a lover of 50s music, cigars, a cold Sam Adams, and had the biggest sweet tooth. He loved to spend time vacationing with his wife and family, whether it be at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida or making memories at Disney World.

One of the things Grandpa loved most were weekly Sunday suppers spent with his family. Throughout the years, Grandpa loved teaching his grandchildren to play pool, Euchre, and checkers and he always taught them how to win with style. However, the most important thing he taught his family and everyone he leaves behind, is to always be generous and to never stop helping others. Grandpa was truly one of a kind and was always the first person that his family called when they needed something.

In addition to his wife, Kathryn, Dave is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott & Monica Nickoli and Jeff & Lori Nickoli. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Justin (Lizzy) Nickoli, Lauren Nickoli, Emily (Chooch) Dellisanti, Elise (Troy) DeLamatre, Jaret (Gabby) Nickoli, Luke Nickoli, and Tristan Nickoli. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Lexi, Josie, Deacon, Pennie, Everett, Lilah and another great-granddaughter on the way. Dave is also survived by his sister, Joan Holzmiller, his brother, Dennis (Stumpy) Nickoli and many nieces and nephews.

In his addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his brothers, Lawrence (Nick), Tom (Chubby), Victor, and numerous family members.

Friends may call on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 9th, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Norwalk. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to Norwalk Catholic School, 93 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.