Steven Nicoli, of Middletown, NY, a Veteran of the United States Army and local community activist, entered into his eternal rest on September 26, 2021, with his family by his side. He was 42
The son of Gino and Joyce Jackson Nicoli, he was born November 25, 1978 in Middletown and raised in the Village of Walden.
Steven is survived by his fiancé, Nicole Rojas; his son Michael “Mikey” Nicoli; stepson Michael Mitchell, his parents Gino and Joyce Nicoli; brother David Nicoli and Eliza; sister Jody Nicoli; Grandmother Veralyna Jackson; Aunts & Uncles Bernard & Laurie Jackson, Rick & Barb Nicoli, nieces Sawyer, Cadence and Jaelyn; nephew Gauge and many cousins & family, as well as a community who all mourn this devastating loss. Steven is predeceased by his Uncle Rich Jackson and Mikey’s mother, Marie Gondolfo.
A Veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Steven served his country from 1997 to early 2000 and has been a longtime community volunteer for causes benefiting local military personnel. Shortly after the events of 9/11, Steven took it upon himself to establish an organization called Honoring American Troops, where he created and sent care packages to troops overseas. The love and passion he had for Veterans led to Steven founding the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, a local hub of the national Honor Flight Network. The mission of Hudson Valley Honor Flight was urgently spearheaded by Steven to ensure that every World War II Veteran had the opportunity to be honored for their service to our country. His vision accomplished the launch of one of the greatest organizations to come out of the Hudson Valley, and one whose growth over the years has been remarkable. Nearly 2000 Veterans have benefited from Steven’s vision. He has inspired so many and his work will continue to inspire generations of patriots to come.
In addition to Steven’s dedication to Honor Flight, in 2013 Steven also became a member of the American Legion Post 158 in Walden where he has served as Commander since 2014. Steven has received numerous awards for his service including the Lenny Rifkin “Patriotic American” Award and the Orange County Leadership “Rising Star” award.
Steven has worked for the past nine years as a Superintendent of Devon Management Co. in Middletown. Steven was an avid bowler and played in the Monday night bowling league at Pat Tarsio Lanes in Newburgh. He also enjoyed playing in his Sunday morning softball league and was always up for a good night out – especially if it involved karaoke. Steven is an amazing dad, a great son, a loving fiancée, the best brother you could ask for, a fun uncle, cousin and nephew, a caring friend, a community role model, and a teammate who always has your back. He has done so much for so many and is loved by everyone who knew him.
A funeral service was held on Friday, October 1, 2021. Burial was in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hudson Valley Honor Flight, PO Box 375, Walden, NY 12586.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.