Local Man, Nicholas Gulizia, Remembered for Passion, Kindness, and Resilience
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV – January 16, 2026 – The Shepherdstown community is mourning the loss of Nicholas Salvatore Gulizia, a beloved son, brother, friend, and partner, who passed away recently. A celebration of his life will be held tomorrow,January 17,2026,at 3:00 pm at Riverfront Park in Shepherdstown.
Born after a arduous childbirth, Gulizia overcame early challenges to become, according to those who knew him, a remarkably positive and capable individual. A “Navy Brat,” he attended schools in Washington, Virginia, and West Virginia, experiencing a childhood marked by frequent moves. He later pursued a career in the trades, finding fulfillment in hands-on work and the constant challenge of new locations and projects.
Those who knew Gulizia consistently described him as brilliant, self-taught, and possessing a strong work ethic. He was known for his generosity, often putting the needs of others before his own, and for his diverse passions, including skateboarding, music, art, fishing, surfing, camping, and the study of physics.
“He would give you the shirt off his back freely without needing recognition,” a family statement read.
Gulizia’s close relationships were central to his life. He was deeply loved by his sister Jessica Gulizia Robb and brother Jacob Gulizia, who cherished him as a younger brother. He shared a notably close bond wiht his brother-in-law, Henry robb, whom he considered a chosen brother. He also found profound love with his girlfriend, Kyleigh Nestor, and embraced her family – particularly her Nana and siblings - as his own. The Nestor family is deeply grieving his loss.
His love extended to animals, including his dogs Trino, Tanner, and Trixie, as well as Tessa, Tatum, and Rueben. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, cultivating deep and lasting connections with those he allowed into his inner circle, offering unwavering support and celebrating their successes. Notable friendships included those with Joshua and Marcus, whom he met while living on Amaranth court, as well as friends in Oak Harbor, WA, Shepherdstown, and Morgantown, WV.
gulizia is preceded in death by his grandmother, Anita Troyer; great-grandfather, Sam Gulizia; great-grandmother, Katherine Wells Carranze; uncle, Randy Wells, and cousin, Emily Blazejewski.
He is survived by his parents,don and Stacie gulizia; his sister & brother-in-law,Jessica Gulizia Robb & Henry Robb,his brother Jacob Gulizia; his niece,Isla Robb; and his girlfriend Kyleigh Nestor and her family; his grandparents Don and Nancy Gulizia,his great-grandmother,Marie Gulizia; and also numerous uncles,aunts,cousins,and friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Nicholas Gulizia’s memory to The Barry Robinson Center, 443 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA 23502. Donations can be made by check, with “In memory of Nicholas Gulizia” noted on the memo line, or online at https://www.barryrobinson.org/.
A reception will follow the tribute at Riverfront Park. The community is invited to attend and share memories of a life lived with passion and kindness.
