March 17, 1916 -- Nov. 27, 2005

Raymond Albert Nicolini, 89, died at home in Mishawaka early Sunday morning, November 27, 2005.

He was born on March 17, 1916, to Angela (Guidi) and Salvatore Nicolini in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Surviving children are Fred A. Nicolini, Gail N. Shaw and Carol A. Pask, all of Mishawaka, and Mary N. Helmreich of Friendswood, Texas. Surviving grandsons are Raymond Anthony of Louisiana, Chris Nicolini of Plymouth, Indiana, and Eric Helmreich of Friendswood, Texas; and great-grandson, Dylan Nicolini of Plymouth, Indiana.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Lillian A. (Nowak) Nicolini, who died on July 3, 2000, his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

A lifetime resident of Mishawaka, Ray was employed by the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing Company (which later became Uniroyal) for over 42 years and retired at the Uniroyal Mishawaka office. He held seven (7) patents in his name for Uniroyal. At Mishawaka High School, he lettered all four years in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was a team member of the Mishawaka High School football team for the mythical number one team in the state for football, and played both offense and defense positions.

He married his high school sweetheart, Lillian Nowak, on June 8, 1940, and enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He and his wife were married 60 years before her death in July 2000. Ray was a lifelong bowler (with Goodfellows team), gardener, and member of VFW Post 360 and Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Arrangements by lifelong family friend Bubb Funeral Chapel; no visitation, no services.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.