OAK ISLAND — It is with great sadness that the family of Frank J. Nicoletti Jr. (of Oak Island and Pinehurst) announce his passing on June 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built with skilled hands, a generous spirit, and a heart far larger than he ever let on.
Frank was born in Elizabeth, NJ, into an Italian family that loved celebrations, food, travel and animals. His childhood summers were spent at the Jersey Shore, where his love for walking on the beaches and swimming in the ocean began.
His father, Frank Nicoletti, was transferred from Manhattan to Washington D.C when Frank was in 3rd grade. He continued to enjoy the summers at Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach. The family journey took him to Louisville where his love for the Kentucky Wildcats began. Frank was a devoted fan of the Kentucky Wildcats, cheering them on through every season with unwavering loyalty, whether celebrating victories or enduring tough losses.
His sisters moved to Northern California and the invitation for Frank to move to California and experience the West Coast was accepted. He became a SF Giant’s fan and SF 49er fan, but Wildcats were always his favorite. In 1990, a friend had moved to Pinehurst and asked if he wanted to move. Again, he put on his traveling shoes and found the love of life, his wife Pat, and the beauty of the North Carolina sandhills and coast.
A master carpenter by trade, Frank dedicated his life to craftsmanship and restoration. He had a special passion for bringing historic homes back to their former beauty, preserving pieces of the past for future generations to enjoy. His work was more than a profession—it was an art form, and every project reflected his pride, patience, and attention to detail.
Though Frank was a big man with a strong presence, those who knew him best understood the softness of his heart and not only remember him for his generosity and sense of humor, but also for the love he had for all animals especially he and Pat’s cats. He believed every animal deserved care, dignity, and a chance to be loved, which made his house filled with wagging tails, gentle purrs and the unmistakable comfort that comes from unconditional love. Frank will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his loyalty, his love of animals, and the countless lives he touched through his work and friendships.
He leaves behind his wife, Patricia Nicoletti; sisters, Gayle (Clark) Chelsey and his nephew Julian and Joyce (Tony) Bendana and his nephew Anthony and niece Gabriella; Step-sister Alyssa Dingler, as well as many friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
His memory will live on in the homes he built and restored, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and heaven gained another angel.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Pinehurst, NC.
Donations in Frank’s name can be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care or any animal organization of your choice in Frank’s name.
