Edward Anthony Nicolace, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 12, 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Nicolace; son, Edward Nicolace, Jr.; daughter-in-law Maureen Jahns Nicolace; grandchildren, Cassandra, and Edward, III; and brother, Alfred Nicolace.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carlo Nicolace, mother, Rose, and brothers, Alfonse, John, Ernest and Orazio.
He was born in Providence, R.I., and was a seasonal resident of Vero Beach for many years before moving to Vero full time in 1978, coming from Warwick, R.I.
A gifted trumpet player, he was a professional musician since the age of 15 and a 75-year member of the Providence Federation of Musicians. He was a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Musicians.
A carpenter by trade, he owned his own carpentry business in Warwick, R.I. and applied these skills while with the Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County prior to his retirement.
He was married to Beatrice for 67 years and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was an avid New York Yankees fan who passed on his love of the pinstripes to his son, Ed Jr., and his beloved grandchildren, Cassie and Edward. He worked tirelessly teaching his son the game of baseball and lived to watch his grandson play. He was a devoted husband, father and loving grandfather.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 34th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, who provided such compassionate and skilled care during his final months. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16, at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m., at Strunk Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
