Richard P. Nickele, age 86; beloved father of Kelly (Brian) Bichkoff; loving Nonno to Elizabeth, Caroline, and Allison Bichkoff; dearest brother of Dora (James) Gramarossa, the late Louis (the late Grace) Nickele, the late Elena (the late Peter) Bertolini, the late Robert Nickele; dear son of the late Peter and Mary Nickele (nee Zanone); cherished uncle of: the late Thomas (Peggy Ziegler) Gramarossa, Gerald (Vanessa) Gramarossa, Mark (Susan) Nickele, the late Audrey (John) Pentico, Margie (Thomas) Godbee, Therese Nickele, Peter (Jennifer) Bertolini, the late Paul Bertolini, Julie (John) Murtaugh; fond great uncle of: Timothy (Patricia) DeBock, Amanda DeBock, Sara DeBock, ,Jessica (David) McGauhey
Christopher (Jennifer) Nickele, Alyssa (Michael) Urgo, Lisa Gramarossa, Daniel (Sarah) Gramarossa, Michael (Dana) Gramarossa, Matthew Gramarossa, Christopher Gramarossa, Joseph (Amanda) Bertolini, Elizabeth Bertolini, Natalie Murtaugh, Matthew Murtaugh; cousin to many and friend to many.
Richard, known as Rich or Richie to those who knew him well, was a family man first and foremost. He enjoyed visiting, sharing a meal, and laughing with family and friends. He loved to goof around and he made everything fun. He was born in Chicago and lived there for 40 years until moving to Park Ridge, where he lived for the next 40 years. He was a plumber for over 40 years, starting with Nu-Way Plumbing and then eventually becoming a foreman of plumbers with Cecchin Plumbing. He was a proud member of the Chicago Local 130 Plumbers Union. In his earlier years, he loved going out to dinner, golfing, fishing, and bowling with many friends, but especially his best friends Jimmy, Louie and his brother, Bobby. He was a humble and generous man who showed incredible loyalty and love to his family and close friends. He was most proud of his three granddaughters and was present and involved for every step of their lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls of Chicago

Visitation Monday June 12, 2023 at SKAJA Terrace Funeral Home 7812 North Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Funeral Mass Tuesday June 13, 2023 10:00 AM at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL.
Interment Mount Carmel Cemetery.