Nicholas Austin Gabaldon

10/17/1994 – 04/08/2022

Anyone who knew Nicholas will probably have similar things to say about him. He was the most genuine, caring, fun, free-spirited person with a heart of gold. No matter who you were, Nick (or Nicky as he was known to most of us) accepted you for just who you were. He loved anything Chicago and proud to call that his home. He never passed up an opportunity to cruise Lakeshore Drive while listening to music and checking out the city lights. Any time you saw Nicky, he'd be representing through The Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears or Blackhawks gear.

Nick loved all foods. The spicier the better! He would fire it up and make himself sweaty. Runny nose and all. His favorite thing to do for munchies was banana ring peppers with Tabasco on Lays plain potato chips.

There was nothing more important to Nicky than family. He grew up with six other brothers and sisters and a lot of cousins. Nicky was the baby of the kids for a long time and loved it. I think that's what made him so lovable and sweet. Once he became the older brother he realized that was pretty cool, too. Even though this would be his perfect opportunity to be the boss and not "the bossee", he never did that. He made himself the older brother they could talk to and hang out with – and still have fun with him. Nick also became an uncle at the age of 10 and took his role very seriously, even at such a young age. Until his last day, he gave equal attention to each and every one of his nieces and nephews. They all meant the world to him.

Nicky loved his career and was so excited to work his way up. He worked at Commercial Metals Company on the shear line. He didn't have one bad thing to say about his job or his coworkers, he adored it all. He recognized it was hard work, but he loved the fulfillment of it all. Nicky was a tough worker through and through, he'd even come home after a strenuous shift and just clean. He would say, "I've still got some energy left in me! I can do it." He made a lot of great friends working at CMC who he thought so highly of.

Nicholas is survived by his parents Sheila Van Eck (Matthew Rogers Sr.) and Rafael Raymond Gabaldon; brothers and sisters: Sarah Garcia (Jordan Miller), Ron Chavez (Amber), Katelyn Chavez, Raymond Gabaldon, Kiersten Rodriguez (Anthony Montes), and Matthew Rogers Jr.; Grandparents: Jim & Barb Van Eck, and Rafael & Mary Gabaldon; Nieces and nephews: Anthony, Grace, Kaydence, Aurora, Victor, Lesleigh, Ron Jr., Ivy, and Elijiah. He is preceded in death by grandparents Mary and Ron Camp and niece and nephew Maritza and Wency Jr.

Nicholas adored both his aunts Michelle and Lisa as well as uncles, and cousins and friends that Nick loved dearly and even considered his brothers and sisters. There will be no other to compare to Nicholas. He was a one-of-a-kind son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, friend, and co-worker.

There will be a viewing for Nicholas from 11am – 1pm on Monday, April 18th with a service to follow.

San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home

21809 S. Ellsworth Rd.

Queen Creek, AZ 85142