Roy Alfred Nickolai Sr.

1937 - 2023

Roy Alfred Nickolai, Sr.
October 6, 1937 - May 31, 2023
Loving husband, father, and grandfather Roy Alfred Nickolai, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home in Burlingame California surrounded by loved ones on May 31st after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Roy was born October 6, 1937 in San Francisco to Otto and Grace Nickolai. He loved growing up in SF, spending time at Playland, Sutro baths, and all the classic movie theaters. Sometimes, he would even take his younger brother Bob Brandes (deceased) with him! He attended Mission high school and met the love of his life, Shirley, at the Residence Club, YWCA on Powell Street, San Francisco. The two became inseparable and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last December.
Employed by the SF Examiner and SF Chronicle, Roy was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local 921. Roy possessed an amazing work ethic in his 43 years of service. When he retired, the newspaper hired three people to take over his job responsibilities.
However, Roy's true joy was his family. Daughters Sharon, Karen, Veronica and Rae Ann and son Roy spent countless summer holidays in the Russian River, Napa Valley Ranch Club often traveling in the family van, affectionately nicknamed Betsy. Every weekend included a fun excursion to the drive-in movies, Golden Gate Park, or Frontier Village, just to name a few places. Roy always knew how to have a good time and celebrated life in so many different ways. He became an expert at Kajukenbo, took up square dancing, reared pigeons, loved watching old movies, especially Bruce Lee flicks, and he enjoyed cruising around the globe with Shirley.
Roy had a great sense of humor, quick wit and he always had a sparkle in his eyes. He was a wonderful friend to so many, including life-long high school buddies and so many other people he met throughout the years.
Roy is survived by his wife Shirley and children Sharon (Bruce Lehman), Karen, Veronica Cote (David), Roy (Carole), and Rae Ann Reichmuth (Neil deceased); grandchildren Miles and Julian Lehman, Francesca Fannuchi, Alexandra Cote Magoolaghan (Tim) and Samantha Cote, Nathaniel Nickolai, and Otto and Aksel Reichmuth. The family is eternally grateful to Roy's amazing caregivers, John Torroba, Pat Torroba, and Jons Torroba, who are like family themselves.
A Rosary to celebrate Roy's life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 10:00am and following with a Funeral Mass at 11:00am at Our Lady of Angels Church at 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a remembrance to Sutter Care at Home Hospice in San Mateo.