Robert Nicola

Dr. Robert John Nicola, of Portage, Michigan peacefully passed with his children by his side on the morning of September 28, 2024 at the age of 83.

Bob was born on May 25, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a 1959 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School and attended University of Detroit Mercy undergraduate and University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Establishing his dental practice in 1968 in Portage, Bob served the greater community for over 40 years which included acting as the dentist for Western Michigan University Athletes, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department and prisoners, emergency dentist on call at Bronson Hospital and forensic dentist for the U.S Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) where he served to identify casualties of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Joplin, Missouri tornado. He was known for his strong oath of ethics, unwavering determination, love and sup port for his family, friends and community. Bob was the quintessential example of hard work and dedication in both his profession and as a husband and father to his four children. Family to Bob was number one in his world and instilled this in his children and grandchildren.

Bob met the love of his life and beloved wife of 57 years, Helen Grabiasz when they were six years old, became high school sweethearts and married when they were 20 and 21 years old. They lived on Gourdneck lake in Portage for most of their years together and enjoyed family outings including boating, family get-togethers on the lake, cooking, snowmobiling, motorcycle trail rides and his monthly poker games with his friends. Later in life, Bob and Helen enjoyed their homes in both Michigan and Florida, playing cards with friends, their membership in the Kalamazoo Corvette Club, and testing their luck at various casinos.

Bob spent his time away from his dental practice to fuel his passion for real estate in both Michigan and Florida. Both Bob and Helen enjoyed the challenge of fixing up properties, both residential and commercial. Through these acquisitions, Bob became involved in various restaurants and cuisine including Mexican, pizza, chicken and fish. His passion and skill in real estate provided his children, especially his sons, the skills to build and maintain their own homes.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen (2019) and his parents William and Rose Nicola. He is survived by his four children: daughters, Lisa Helen Nicola, Linda Nicola Feehan (Greg Feehan); Sons: William Robert Nicola (Amy), Dr. Robert Leon Nicola (Melissa); six grandchildren: William Nicola, Claire Nicola, Olivia Feehan, Rylee Feehan, Sophia Nicola, Landyn Nicola, his sister Carol (Ralph), Sister and Brother- in-Laws, Lee and Russ Giordano, and nieces: Roxanne, Jordan and Peyton Sternfeld.

A celebration of life will be held for Bob at FireKeepers Casino Hotel 11177 E. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 12 noon- 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Detroit Catholic Central High School https://www.catholiccentral.net/ or Smile Train https://www.smiletrain.org/hp