Blagoy E. "Bob" Nicoloff, 88, WWII Veteran & Music Lover

He was born June 15, 1923 in Lorain and remained a life-long resident.

He graduated from Lorain High School in 1941. He served in the Army during World War II. He participated in the African, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central European Campaigns. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead as well as a Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Nicoloff retired in 1976 as the Foreman of the Boiler Shop at U. S. Steel Lorain Works. He also worked in the Sheet Metal Shop and other departments for a total of 35 years. After his retirement, he was a partner in N & M Fabricating in Lorain. He owned and operated Nicoloff's Food Market in Lorain from 1959 until 1974. He served as a Lorain Civil Service Commissioner during the 1970's.

Mr. Nicoloff's passion was music. He and his brothers had a Macedonian band as well as a band named Music Stylists. He was Choir Director for Sts. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church for over 50 Years.

He was devoted to his church and family. Bob served in every position on the church board and was the Church President for many years. He was ordained to the Deaconate by Archbishop Kyrill in 2002 and elevated to the rank of Protodeacon in 2009.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 64 years Raisa Nicoloff (née Lysak) of Lorain; son Dr. Nicola (Michele) Nicoloff of Petersburg; daughter Catherine Loboda of Hudson and Ellen (Sam) D'Fantis of North Olmsted; grandchildren David (Laurie), Kristine (Andrew), Heather, Ronnie, Larissa (Eric), Raisa, Luke (Ashley), Michael (Katie) and Natalie (Phil); great grandchildren Noah, Jonah and Ella; sisters-in-law Betty and Virginia Nicoloff.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eftim N. and Dola (née Dimitrova) Nicoloff; brothers Matthew Nicoloff and Walter Nicoloff and a sister Slavka Velleff.

His family will receive friends Sunday, January 29 from 2 to 8pm at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church, 3056 Reeves Avenue, Lorain, where a Parastas will be served at 7pm. The funeral will be held at the church on Monday, January 30 at 10am, preceded by visitation at 9am. Presiding will be His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek assisted by Fr. Paul Monkowski. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. The Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 will conduct Military Honors.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164.

For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.