Nicholas John Serio Vella Jr.

"NICHOLI" and "Papa Nic"

March 4, 2017 at 3:17 p.m. surrounded by his loving family and many dear friends, Nicholas’ loving, kind, caring, big, and beautiful heart took its final beat.

He was born on September 25, 1954 to Nicholas John Vella II and Barbara Jean Vella at the US Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. Nicholas lived in Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, California, and ultimately settled in Salt Lake City, UT in 1982.  He graduated from Williamsport Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania, class of 1973.

Nicholas was the owner of NV Facility & Property Management at the time of his passing. Previously he worked at Western Airlines/Delta, Sandy City Maintenance, and Lumenis, Inc.

Nicholas was a gentleman; a kind and loving soul who had the ability of making anybody smile. He was always ready and willing to help others. His charming personality and love for the ladies drew anyone who met him into his life and easily won the hearts and love of so many people.  Early in life he was able to travel to beautiful parts of the world including Indonesia, Bali, Brazil and Thailand.  He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, concerts, dancing, music, blazing fires at home, and was an exceptional handyman and cook.  He was well known for his monopoly man glasses and handlebar mustache, all of his great food including Chili Verde & Cheesecake, and his love of both Girl Scout Cookies & Jack Daniels. He enjoyed dinners at Tepanyaki and spending time with his ‘Bout Time Pub Family at Jordan Landing. 

In 1972 he learned to RIDE! That was when Nicholas fell in love with his greatest passion; riding motorcycles.  His 2007 Road King was his pride and joy!  He loved the tribe of biker enthusiasts he brought together like family.  Nicholas was an experienced rider and strong leader for many rides over many miles. As his good friend Chewy described, “Nicholas was genuine, one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. No one could fill his seat as the leader of the pack; even when the leader got lost, the pack would follow.” In 2011, he rode to North Carolina to earn his patch for Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, an 11 mile ride with 318 curves. He started an Annual Picnic Ride to Mirror Lake in 2012 and an Annual Birthday Ride, which both have grown in large numbers of fellow riders. 

Nicholas is preceded in death by his parents; Nicholas John Vella II, Barbara Jean Vella, and his brother David Alan Vella. He is survived by his siblings; Kimberlee S. Miller (Craig), Kelly L. Vella (Levi F. Crawford III) nieces & nephews; Jacqueline N. Gates, Kenna R. Crawford, Lindsay N. Crawford, Travis McCartney, Michele Hanna, Chelsea Buchanan, Amber Fillingame, Blake Buchanan and Dallas Vella. His Beloved “Bobby Sue” will miss her Papa terribly. Nicholas has so many very special loved ones, far too many to mention that will hold him in their hearts always!

A special thank you to his girlfriend Shauna Rich Smith for her love, friendship, and care for Nicholas.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 11th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.