John Anthony Nicolaysen

August 18, 1967 - December 27, 2014
John Anthony Nicolaysen
Service Date:
Friday, January 2, 2015 6:00 PM
Service Location:
Starks Funeral Parlor
John Anthony Nicolaysen
"Pizza"


Referred to lovingly as "Pizza", John Anthony Nicolaysen passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2014. Born on August 18, 1967 to Elaine Polychronis and Gary Nicolaysen in Salt Lake City, Utah. John grew up in Holladay with his best friend and younger brother Justin. John was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and graduated from Olympus High School continuing his education at the University of Utah with a B.S. in Economics. Pizza truly came into his own as a member and President of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

From a young age, John was an avid competitor and sports enthusiast. Kind, generous, and loyal, Pizza loved and was loved by all those who knew him, with the exception of the fans of any team his beloved Utes played, the Utes offensive coordinator and Ray Giacoletti. He excelled at work and was well-respected by his employers and colleagues. As a founding committee member of the Elyse Pantke White Foundation, he helped raise thousands for breast cancer research each year. Yet, his proudest accomplishment was as a devoted father to his boys, Alec and Joe.

Genuine in his care and concern for others, John had the ability to light up any room with his smile, laughter, and larger-than-life personality that had an impact on everyone he met. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone he knew feel special and important. The world was a better place with him in it and all who knew him are blessed to have shared time and space with him. John was a gentle giant that loved unconditionally, he will be missed but never forgotten.

An amazing father, brother, son, cousin, grandson, nephew and friend, John is survived by his mother Elaine; father and step-mother Gary and Cynthia; brother and sister-in-law Justin and Maryann; sons Alec and Joe; grandmother Arline; as well as many other cousins, aunts, uncles and friends; and lastly Jennifer Clark who had recently brought John a tremendous amount of happiness and joy.

An open house celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Interment will take place January 3, at noon at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.

May John's memory be eternal.