Nicholas Ciccarelli

Nicholas “Nick” Ciccarelli

April 23, 1957 – April 29, 2026

Nicholas “Nick” Ciccarelli, 69, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on April 23, 1957, Nick grew up in a household rooted in heritage and raised alongside his brother and two sisters, an upbringing that gave him a lasting connection to his roots and a perspective that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Kaynor Technical School and established a long career as a pipe fitter before later transitioning to a maintenance role at the Waterbury Police Department. He will be remembered for his warmth, his strength, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Nick was well loved by many in his community. His family and friends know him affectionately as Nick, Nicky, Pop-Pop, and “Nick Chick.” Nick was un uomo di cuore—a man of heart. With his natural charisma and classic Italian roots, he was a friend to everyone he met. Whether he was at work or out in the community, he moved through life with the smooth, easy confidence of the crooners he loved. He was a steady friend who always had time for a conversation or a laugh, and he lived with a genuine kindness that earned him the respect of all who knew him.

Nick dedicated over 30 years to Special Olympics Connecticut, a passion that ultimately shaped his entire family. His daughter, Danyell, grew up coaching alongside him, and those years spent volunteering together were a defining part of their relationship. Nick’s greatest source of pride was the woman and mother Danyell became; he was deeply moved by her decision to dedicate her career to special education, carrying on the advocacy they shared. Through this community, Nick also met his wife Tracie, and her children, Georgia and James. This shared commitment led to the life they built together as family.

Nick's passion for the western lifestyle was evident, particularly in the cowboy boots he often wore.  He and Tracie embraced this love together as they shared many cherished memories traveling to the Ridin’ Hy Dude Ranch.  Nick was truly in his element and found great peace horseback riding along their trails. This shared hobby became a special chapter of their life together, filled with adventure and the open air.

Nick deeply appreciated the life and home Danyell and her husband, Adam, built. He and Adam always found a reason to share a laugh together, and Nick took great comfort in the family they created in his granddaughters, Lucy and Charlotte. He simply lit up whenever his granddaughters were near. Whether he was sitting in the audience of a theater performance or just spending time with them, his pride for the girls was unmistakable. He embraced his role as 'Pop-Pop' with a gentle joy that will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracie (Ferguson) Ciccarelli; his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, Danyell (Ciccarelli), Adam, Lucy and Charlotte Danielson of Cheshire; his stepdaughter and her husband, Georgia and Jason Woike of Woodbury; his stepson, James Brownell; his brother, Arthur Ciccarelli Jr of Waterbury.; his sisters, Rita Ciccarelli of Waterbury and Elaine Reilly (Joseph Roraback) of Berlin; his niece and nephew, Dana and Jason Reilly;  and the countless friends that became family along the way. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation: Friday, May 8, 2026 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect, CT.  You are invited to share your favorite memories, photos and online condolences on Nick's Tribute Wall on this website.  

The family will be hosting a funeral service at Living Faith Church, 69 Prospect Rd., Waterbury on Saturday, May 9, 2026at 10 a.m. Please meet directly at the church on Saturday for the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick’s memory to Waterbury Special Olympics, honoring his lifelong dedication to the athletes and community he loved. Donations can be sent to 107 Hempel Drive, Wolcott, CT 06716.

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