John Faustus Nicolaci, 87, of Marion died Thursday November 12, 2009 at home.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1922, the son of Rosaria (Piciariello) and Pasquale Nicolaci, he was educated at the Manhattan High School of Aviation and Trade, and Boston Technical High School.
He was the beloved husband of Ruth (Hiller Knowles) Nicolaci and father of An Nicolaci Labb and John Nicolaci, Jr. Grandfather to Eve-Nicole Labb and Marc Nicolas Labb. Stepfather to Lisa Knowles Murray and her husband Chris, Brenda Knowles Hughes and George B. Knowles IV. Step-grandfather to Jessica Tiffany Hughes, Ryan Slater Hughes, George B. Knowles V, Emma Ruth Knowles and Amanda Phillips Murray.
From 1940 to 1945, Mr. Nicolaci worked at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Factory in Baltimore, Maryland, on final assembly of the PBM Mariner and the B26. In 1946, he worked in the engineering department of Glenn L. Martin as a loftsman on the drawing board for the Martin 202.
After the war, from 1947 to 1998, Mr. Nicolaci was co-owner and chief designer of Cliftex Corporation in New Bedford, manufacturer of men's suits which was one of the largest employers in the city with over 2000 employees. His genius was developing machinery and accessory tools for increased efficiency and ease of use without sacrificing quality.
He held two patents for an internal and external gyro control for picture stability in cameras.
Mr. Nicolaci's lifelong passion was aviation and began at an early age. He was an active Cessna Cardinal pilot until 2007 and a radio controlled model flier. One of his first models, powered by rubber bands, won first prize for the longest flight at the Jordan Marsh Department store competition at age 16. His 15 foot wingspan PBM Mariner, which he flew at Navy reunions, was always a crowd pleaser and it flew for 34 years around the country, and internationally, wooing the crowds. It is currently on display at the Hagerstown (Maryland) Air Museum. He was a proud honorary member of the Bristol County Radio Controlled Model Club and the Otis Flying Club.
In the midst of sadness and pain, he infused our lives with a very special presence. His faith sustained and nurtured him. His smile welcomed, his manners endeared, his kindness overwhelmed, his sharp inventive mind awed, and one was never the same after meeting him. He had great success as a loving husband, father, brother and friend.
At the request of the family, there are no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 11 AM in St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett, followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.
Gifts in his memory may be made to the Hagerstown Air Museum, 14235 Oak Springs Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21742. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.