Nicholas J. Cecola

Nicholas J. Cecola,72, climbed the stairway to heaven on May 8, 2024, after a 10-month battle with bile duct cancer. For 49 years, Nick was a loving husband and soulmate to Noreen (nee Boyce). He was cherished and adored by his son Brian (Nicole) and daughter Natalie (Jon) Hibbs. Nick was a devoted Papa to a handful of the most kind and affectionate grandchildren he could ever wish for: Nick, Rhett, Eva, Vincent, and Freya. Nick is preceded by his parents, Nick, and Christine (nee Johncola) and his sister Margie Vargas who always had his back. He was a dear brother to Sam (Geri) who he admired endlessly, and his little sister Kim Vargas. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews & cousins (Johnny, Christine, Nicky, Maria, Sharon, Anthony, and Frankie Vargas to name a few) who he loved as siblings.
Nick graduated high school from St. Pat's in Chicago class of 1969 and was a very proud Shamrock. He graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago class of 1973 where he met Noreen after joining Chi Delta Phi. Nick had a full life filled with giving, sharing, and helping others. He has many long-lasting friendships and always made new friends along the way. He loved music (went to over 250 concerts) especially the Beatles. Travel was his middle name, photography was his passion, but family was everything.
Nick worked in telecom for over 40 years with Illinois Bell, AT&T, Lucent, Avaya, and Cross Telecom. He also worked at TripLite near Comiskey Park. He was an avid White Sox Fan through thick and thin, a real diehard. Nick loved all Chicago sports, except the Cubs. Nick shared his love of sports and coached his children in soccer, baseball, and softball, and simply enjoyed being involved. He was active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and volunteered with PADS in Aurora. When he retired, Nick and Noreen built a ranch in Sycamore to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He got a part time job at Goebbert's Farm in Pingree Grove where he helped with the jumpy pillow and carousel in the fall, it became his favorite job. The world was a better place with Nick in it. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.
lieu of flowers, a lasting tribute in Nick's name can be made to John Hopkins Bile Duct Cancer Research at www.pathology.jhu.edu/gbbd
Visitation will be held at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville from 3:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 16th. Everyone is invited to gather for the Funeral Mass on Friday, May 17th, at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville.