Name: Visitation for Nicholas John Nigro
Start: 2014-01-03T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-01-04T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Zwaska Funeral Home - Milwaukee

Nigro, Nicholas John On Sunday, December 22, 2013, Nicholas John Nigro returned to God, the root of all things. He was preceded in 2009 by the love of his life of 51 years, Joanne Nigro (Vehring) and survived by his children, Michael (JoAnn) Nigro, Lora Nigro (Kevin Rutkowski), Regina (John) Heroux, Amy (Robert) Geiser, Nick (Angela) Nigro and Dan (Kris) Nigro; his grandchildren, Jena and Jacob Heroux, Ben and Becky Nigro, Jarod and Dana Geiser, Hayden and Brady Nigro, Vinny, Carly, and Mitchell Nigro; and by his siblings, Betty (Ted) Snow, John (Beth) Nigro, and Joseph (Diane) Nigro. Born 1934 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, his family moved to Virginia Minnesota in 1939. For the first three years of his education he attended Jefferson grade school across the street from his home and continued to Marquette Catholic School through eighth grade. Nick graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1952 and won District and Regional titles as a member of an elite basketball team. After completing two years at Virginia Junior College, he earned an Associates degree in pre-engineering, followed by his B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech in 1956. Victor Chemical in Chicago was his first employer. While working as a part time instructor, he finished his M.S at Iowa State University and later taught in the Applied Science Department at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. After accomplishing his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, Dr. Nigro was hired as a Mechanical Engineering professor at Marquette University in 1965 and retired after 42 years of esteemed service. Twice awarded by the National Science Foundation and a distinguished recipient of the Pere Marquette Teaching Excellence award, the avid fan and long running season ticket holder of the men's Golden Eagle basketball team has been contracted by NASA, Allen Bradley Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Rockwell International for his design ingenuity. In 2007 he transitioned to Professor Emeritus where he mentored and counseled graduate students while retaining his competitive weekly sessions on the basketball court. Actively involved in social and outreach programs for St. Bernadette's visitation ministry, he regularly brought comfort, companionship and the Eucharist to LindenGrove residents and numerous other nursing homes. His ministry was a commitment of dedication and love. Nick's gift to make one feel special inspired us to give our best. A candle has gone out for the multitude of those whose souls he touched. May we all continue to share his light. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, for benefit of the Liturgical and Social Ministry Programs which were highly valued by Nick. Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2014, from 4:00PM-8:00PM at Zwaska Funeral Home. Visitation continues on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 8200 W. Denver Ave., Milwaukee, WI, from 9:00AM- 10:00AM with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:30AM. Entombment at Valhalla Cemetery, Milwaukee. Family website: www.thenigros.com.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Nigro

Sponsored by Zwaska Funeral Home - Milwaukee.

46 Entries

Jim Bolstad

January 18, 2014

Dear Nigro Family,

I was shocked to hear the news about Nick. I had been working with him on a potential graduate student project and had gotten together with him in September I think. Our project had great potential.

I had worked with him several years back on a different student project. I found that he always had a helpful outlook, and a wonderfully open mind. I am going to miss him terribly. You were blessed to have him in your family.

January 17, 2014

Mike, Lori, Gigi, Amy, Nicky and Danny; We were so sorry to hear today of your lose of your Father. Our thoughts, prayers and love goout to all of you. Warmest Regards, Patti, Paula, Kathy and Kris Tarantino

January 4, 2014

Our family has wonderful memories of your dad and his kind and gentle manner. Many St. B's basketball teams of year's past, including our son's, were blessed by the time he shared with them. I will forever remember the last time we spoke and the usual warm hug he wrapped his kind words in.
The Keller Family-Patti (Buttitta) and John, Tim, Doug, and Dan

January 3, 2014

it was a pleasure to know Dr. Nigro [Nick].
I saw him almost weekly when he came to play noon hoops at MU's Helfaer Rec Center. He was a 'regular' for many years and the envy off many of us to still be playing ball with guys, some 1/2 his age. I think he was an original member of the Rec Center [since 1975]. He still had that nice little set shot from 15 - 20 feet. He was the godfather of noon hoops. I enjoyed our talks about MU hoops - he was a real fan and student of the game.
I am sure he will still be 'hooping' in heaven.
God Bless.

John Sweeney - Director MU Rec Sports

tom mcgoo

January 3, 2014

A great man I looked up to fondly together again fulfilled is an understatement describing his life his flame will never be extinguished living on in you Nigro family! God love help you thru. Your in our thoughts.

JOHNNY Miller

January 3, 2014

We all love you Nick from Marquette University community. The guys from the gym will miss you.

Pat & Mike Phayer

January 3, 2014

To the Nigro Family, we knew both Nick and Joanne as we too were part of the MU family and the MU Women's Club family. We have wonderful memories of both your mom and dad. They are now together again and this time in heaven. They were two of the most humble, loving and caring people we have ever met. As you celebrate Nick's life in Milwaukee, we will say prayers for him (and your mom)here in Annapolis. I can just hear Nick saying, "I'm Ok everyone, I with my Joannie now." As difficult as it is for us still here on earth to not have them with us, they are with God now, happy and together forever.
We miss you Nick and Joanne.
God bless you all.

Mark Kosmeder

January 3, 2014

Mr. Nigro brought me the Body of Christ when I couldn't make it to church. Such a humble man and a great inspiration. My sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

Al Johnson

January 2, 2014

Nick, there are few things more difficult in life than loosing a loved one so close as a parent. Those of us who have had the experience can truly sympathize with you at this time while assuring you the greatness of your father will only grow in your future as your sorrows turn to memories of joy. We are here to prop you up when needed.