William Mathias Niccolai Sr.

William (Bill) Mathias Niccolai, Sr. of Mint Hill, North Carolina, passed away at his home on March 22, 2021. With the help of devoted private caregivers and hospice care, he was able to be at home surrounded by his family and friends. Bill was born in Dunlevy, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1936. As a child he enjoyed working on the farm; collecting, building and engineering his Lionel Train set; and playing soccer. In grade school, he met the love of his life whom he would later marry in 1958. The family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he eventually started his own business and successfully provided for his family and made life-long friends. Bill never met a stranger and frequently found words of encouragement and wit. Besides spending time with his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed weekly breakfast with friends; singing at home or with his singing group “Still Standing”; holiday traditions (especially making pizzelles with his grandchildren); poker night with his buddies; many travel adventures with their closest friends; walking; making wine; enjoying dessert (particularly ice cream) and fruit. He would be described as dedicated, hard working, full of life and loyal. He even found unique ways to help others by finding lost change and accumulated a large amount over a period of 3 years in which he donated to the church. Bill took a fearless approach on life and never shied away from a challenge. People often came to him for advice and were drawn to his awesome smile. Bill is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Shirley C. Niccolai; daughter, Marsha Hamm and husband, Scott; grandsons, Chris Hamm, Michael Hamm and wife Inna; daughter, Renee’ Robinson and husband, Joe; granddaughters, Maddisen and Makenzie; son, Bill Jr. and wife, Amy; granddaughters, Hannah, Hailey, and Hope; son, Eric; son, Matthew; son, Dino and wife, Beth; “little brother” Robby Virnelson and wife Melanie; his sister, Nancy Sickles; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227 at 11:00 am on Monday, April 5, 2021, with a visitation of informal receiving one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Luke Catholic Church. The family wants to express a heartfelt thanks to the private caregivers; Norma Waller, Trish Quinlivan and Paige Guns for their outstanding love, exceptional care and support. A sincere thank you to Deanna Wattie along with the staff of Novant Health Hospice and Palliative Care. Again with our sincerest gratitude, please send memorials to St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227, in lieu of flowers as stated below.

William Mathias Niccolai Sr.

September 21, 1936 - March 22, 2021