Nicholas Anthony Alfieri

“Everybody knows Nick.”

 

Nicholas “Nick” Anthony Alfieri passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, surrounded by family and friends. He was 78.

Born and raised in Chicago, Nick was a proud son of the city—its neighborhoods, its ballparks, its politics, and its people. A graduate of Weber High School and later Wilbur Wright College, where he earned an associate degree in political science, Nick’s curiosity about the world never faded.  He served in the Illinois Navy Reserve during the Vietnam War and dedicated much of his early career to community betterment through his work with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Onward House and the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Rosary Church.

Nick believed in civic duty, and he walked the walk, literally, going door to door to get out the vote. He also coached youth baseball through the Chicago Park District, sharing his love for sports and mentorship with generations of young players.

Throughout his career, Nick wore many hats: administrative roles with the City of Chicago, a position as a bailiff, and a few years as a bartender. During a chapter of his life in Texas, he supervised a team collecting census and survey data - work he took great pride in.  

But where Nick truly shined was in roles that connected him directly with people. At the Levy Senior Center and later at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Chicago, his patience, warmth, and gift for genuine conversation left a lasting impression. “Everybody knows Nick” wasn’t just something people said—it was the truth. He made people feel seen and heard.

Nick was known for having very dark hair his entire life. When asked, often skeptically, if he dyed it, he’d shoot back with his classic line, “This is my real hair!” That was Nick in a nutshell: straightforward and totally himself.

He loved to talk about politics and sports, especially if it meant debating a point or two. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears, but it was the Chicago Cubs who had his whole heart. Win or lose, he stayed loyal.

 Nick was genuine to the core. What you saw was what you got. His life was one of service, humility and honest connection.

 Nick is survived by his brother Jim Alfieri, nephews Tom (Krystle) Alfieri and Chris (Brandi) Alfieri, niece Bernadette (Robert) Carruth, three grandnephews, and seven grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Alfieri and Laura Alfieri nee Kapustka.  

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Chicago – St Mary’s Home. The Little Sisters provide security, devoted care, respect, and a sense of belonging to the elderly poor in a home-like atmosphere