Nicolo Pellicani

Nicolo "Nick" Pellicani, 93, of Union City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully while embraced in the love of his family on November 26, 2025.
Born in Milan, Italy, to Vincenzo and Theresa Pellicani, who were originally from Molfetta, Nick grew up alongside his beloved sisters, Valeria, Artelia, Wilma, and Anny. As a young man, he emigrated to the United States in pursuit of opportunity and a better future.
Nick was a man of extraordinary talent and passion. He was an accomplished, award-winning fencer; a master glassblower; and a ballroom dancer and respected judge for Dance America. He was also a gifted fine artist and painter, earning awards and praise for his still lifes and landscapes. Following in his father's footsteps, Nick became a master barber and the proud owner of Nick's Barber Shop in Nutley, which he ran for more than forty years, keeping generations of local men looking their sharpest. His wit and pride were reflected in the famous sign displayed in his shop: "If you didn't get your hair cut by Nick, you have no one but yourself to blame." When you came in for a haircut, you might also find Nick at work on a commissioned painting, as his barbershop proudly doubled as his art studio.
Nick shared a beautiful life with his late beloved wife, Arlene. United by their passion for dance, they ran a dance school together for many years, inspiring countless students with their talent and love for the art. Beyond the dance floor, Nick and Arlene were also legendary poker players, and it was often joked that the casinos of Atlantic City feared their arrival.
Although he had no children of his own, Zio Lino was deeply loved and cherished by his nieces and nephews: Maurizio, Elisabetta, Marco, Ilona, Robert, Richard, Lianna, and Veronica. He was a devoted and beloved great-uncle to Runi, Julia, Alessandro, Jessamy, Sofia, Maia, Lilah, Luke, Alexandra, Stella, Ava, Max, and Jack. Lino was also dearly loved by his late brother-in-law, Alex Keri, and by his nieces' and nephews' spouses: Ivano, Raimonda, Richard, Nina, Colleen, and Shawn.
Nick also shared a deep and meaningful friendship with Juan Pena, who was a steady, devoted, and beloved presence in his life during his final years.
Nick loved life fiercely and often said he hoped to live to Cent'Anni-one hundred years. Though it is so very hard to let him go, one can only imagine how much joy Heaven holds now with his arrival.
His family would like all to know how profoundly grateful they are to have had him in their lives and for the love, laughter, and legacy he leaves behind.
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