Albert F. Nicholas, Sr.

Albert F. Nicholas Sr., 86, of Hazleton passed away Thursday evening at St. Luke's Pavilion surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tresckow, he was the son of Antionetta and Frank Nicholas.Albert was employed by Spaulding's Bakery, and then became a self-employed Arnold's Bread and Thomas' English Muffins distributor. Additionally, he was the owner of Nicholas Billiards in Hazleton Heights.He was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Church.He served in the Naval Reserve and received a certificate of appreciation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in recognition of his service. He was a member of Hazleton's Elks Lodge 200.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lucy Bellezza, and brother, Anthony.Albert is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Violet Poleri. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Antoinette Refowich and husband, Harold, Hazleton; Mary Rose Reis and husband, Bill, Walnutport; Albert Jr. and wife, Michele, Hazleton; and Victoria Stahr and husband, Jon, Hazleton. He is survived by his six grandchildren, Brittany Reis; Gino, Roman and Mauro Nicholas; and Morgan and Ali Stahr; his great-grandson, Nicholas Reis; his sister, Concetta Pitoscia; and several nieces and nephews.The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from Fierro Funeral Home, 26 W. Second St., Hazleton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, Hazleton.Interment will follow in St. Gabriel's Cemetery.Friends and relatives may call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of one's choice.