Nicholas Fittipaldi Obituary

Nicholas “Nick” Joseph Fittipaldi, of Aurora, Colorado passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2026.

Nick was born on May 5, 1936, to parents Nicholas and Teresa (Tenda) Fittipaldi in Brooklyn, New York. The seventh of eight children who became one of 13 siblings with his father’s death and his mother's remarriage.

He was never without a job, and he had fond memories of early working ventures with his older brothers in various businesses to assist in supporting his siblings. In the late 1950’s he did not hesitate to shoulder the responsibility of moving his mother and stepfather to Colorado on medical advice for his mother’s respiratory illnesses. From Colorado the Army drafted him where he served three-years in Italy.

After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Colorado and found a job with Martin Marietta (Lockheed Martin) as a security guard. It was here he met and fell in love with an executive secretary, Phyllis (Shook) on a blind date. The were married in May of 1959 and were devoted to each other and their families until her death in 1994.

Early on in his marriage, Nick studied carpentry and became a respected cabinet maker specializing in Formica. He loved building and remodeling homes and moved his family from Littleton, to Thornton, to Conifer, to Bailey where he was able to retire young in 1981. Nick and Phyllis bought an RV and used their retirement to travel the United States, alone or with friends, enjoying each other and every adventure.

Upon Phyllis’ death, Nick moved to Deming, New Mexico where he stayed active as a carpenter, friend, colleague, and President of his Homeowner’s Association. When his health became an issue, he moved back to Colorado to live with his daughter and son-in-law.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather, his beloved wife, his siblings, and several nieces and nephews.

Nick is survived by his daughter Diann and son-in-law Buck LaGrange of Aurora, Colorado; his daughter Penny Fittipaldi of Cheyenne, Wyoming, two grandchildren, and a great grandchild; his godson Joseph Stark of Weddington, North Carolina, several dear friends in Colorado, and New Mexico, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nick took pride in his 97% Italian heritage, his passion for camping, fishing, old movies, cooking and eating! He will be greatly missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Honor Bell Foundation: PO Box 1432, Englewood, CO 80150.