The first thought that come to me when thinking about my brother Nick…INTEGRITY and PRINCIPLES. He is the epitome of a man who embodies these two traits. I can’t be more prouder of his direction and decisions he makes based on these foundations. His belief, values and his success are 100% a result from the two. What a role model to so many thousands but most importantly to his family. I’ve told him this before, but I’ll go on record today in stating he is our Sage.

Happy birthday brother.

Gene Lonardo

Brother,

I’ve been thinking about some of our best memories together, and I wanted to take a moment to remind you how much you’ve always meant to me. Remember when you built me that bike when I was around 10? I’m not sure where all the parts came from—maybe some of them were "borrowed"—but man, that bike was cool! I rode it around like it was the best thing on two wheels.

And who could forget the pool hall brawl you started? Gene and I had to step in and finish it—those were some wild times! Then there were the days when I’d stand on the white picket fence, teasing you by calling you "white nose." I’d wait until you were sprinting at me from Gary's house, then dash inside and lock the door right when you got to the Fife's place! The look on your face every time—priceless!

I’ll never forget how you stayed up all night with me during my senior year, helping me cram for that final exam in your tiny studio apartment. I had to get an "A" to graduate, and thanks to you, I only missed one question. You’ve always been my role model, showing me how to be a father and how to raise my kids.

And now, you’re showing your strength yet again by kicking cancer’s ass. You’ve always been tough, and that strength has always inspired me.

Happy Birthday, Brother!

I love you!

Tony Lonardo

Nick, Happy birthday!

Just wanted to tell you how much I love you. I’m so grateful to have you as my brother, I love your laugh, (the same one that I inherited because I tease you) haha your sense of humor and much more, but most of all your family, morals and support. What a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend you are.,not to mention how smart you are and are always willing to take the call and get medical advice when needed. I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished in life being the first Lonardo to graduate college and lead leading the way for others to do the same. I feel really bad that I don’t have a photo to upload with this, but if I did, it would certainly be the one with you in the cheetah suit.

I love you with all my heart, your sister,

Diana Lonardo

One of the first things Andre shared with me when we first started dating was how much he loved his family, especially his dad who is beloved by everyone. "Everyone," I thought "no way." But having known Nick almost 10 years, I can confidently say it isn't a myth how incredible he is as a father and overall human being. It really is no wonder all the Lonardo kids are exceptional human beings- 1 is a happy coincidence but 4 is statistically significant!

Kidding aside, a father-son relationship has taken new meanings since Luca was born and I always find myself thinking of how I hope Luca will be when he grows up. More important than being doctor-president, I would consider it a lifetime achievement if Luca loves, admires, respects and seeks Andre's companionship in all his adventures, triumphs, and heartaches in the same way Andre does to Nick. I'm forever grateful for all the love I have in my life because of Nick.

Jessa 🍚 Lonardo

At mine and Andre's wedding, my gay best friend from high school and his boyfriend couldn't stop freaking out about Nick, who spoke during the ceremony. They thought he was "SO sexy" and billed him as the "silver haired fox." If those two weren't together they definitely would have hit on Nick (who would probably have just thought they're being friendly)

Jessa Lonardo

The first time I ever had the flu I was around 5 years old. I was so sick and could barely get off the couch. Uncle Nick came over to visit and took the time to explain what was happening to my body and all the ways I was fighting the virus. Even as a child I remember it making me feel better just being gifted with a better understanding of my immune system. Uncle Nick has never stopped doing this for me. He researches my OCD and shares any new hopeful studies he finds. I know he does the same for all of his loved ones. Uncle Nick’s love language is sharing his knowledge and it really is a powerful gift.

Giavanna Lonardo

Uncle Nick always found creative ways to entertain us. We spent so much time over his house as kids and it was always the best. For starters we were allowed 4 whole Oreos each, even if it wasn’t a Friday (if you know you know). He would teach us how to make the ultimate paper airplane, the flying eagle, or have us do an impromptu woodworking project. I remember one time he was watching us for the whole day so we drove out to the Bonneville salt flats for speed week. Looking back on these childhood memories I’m so grateful for the attention he gave us and his childlike spirit of just getting out to play and have fun.

Giavanna Lonardo

When I moved out for the first time I was living in a house with a couple of roommates. We had a giant whiteboard that none of us knew how to hang up. Early one morning my dad and Uncle Nick came to the rescue. They showed up in their matching jumpsuits, tools in hand, and an abundance of energy. It took them about 10 minutes to hang up the board and then they started fixing everything else they could find on their way out. It was a whirlwind of noise and enthusiasm and I felt like I had summoned my own personal pit crew. Not only is Uncle Nick always willing to help out with a home improvement project, he is excited to do so.

Giavanna Lonardo

I knew you even before I met your irresistible “bad boy” brother, and from the start, I could sense there was something truly special about you. I remember you leading very resistant pharmacists (including a very shy sister-in-law) at Holy Cross Hospital to develop our clinical skills and improve patient outcomes. You worked tirelessly and passionately. You kept hope alive, even when everyone else might have wanted to give up.

Oh, and let’s not forget the time when I nearly gave you a heart attack while driving! Remember this: very pregnant, very late, and definitely speeding through every stop sign like they were mere suggestions. I was determined to make sure my boss wasn’t late, but I didn’t quite realize I was putting you in legitimate fear for your life! I still cringe thinking back on that, but thank goodness for your ability to laugh in the face of danger—literally. Somehow, we made it to work, and I didn’t even end up on probation!

What you might not know is how much of a positive impact you’ve had on my life and career. When things were less than ideal at Holy Cross, you encouraged me to take a leap into home infusion pharmacy. Your advice, guidance, and support opened up a nearly 30-year career that I truly love (even if I do complain about it more than I should). For that, I’ll always be grateful to you.

Nick, you’ve always been the one we can count on. Day or night, rain or shine, no matter what, you’re always there—ready, willing, and somehow excited to help. You truly are Jeff’s “right arm” and are an endless fountain of love and support. You are the one we go to for medical advice. I trust you over any doctor, including my own, because I know you will research any issue or question to the nth degree, and I know your advice will always be on point.

I also admire how you face your own challenges with such bravery, positivity, resilience, and grace. I know there must be moments of doubt or worry, but you never let it show. You live each moment fully—whether it’s with your beautiful grandkids, your amazing wife, amazing kids, nieces, nephews, siblings, or the countless people who are lucky enough to know you. You are an amazing example and inspiration to all of us.

Nick, I love you more than words can say. You are an incredible person, and I hope this birthday is as wonderful as you are. Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and maybe a few more terrifying car rides—just to keep things interesting! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Yvette Lonardo

Happy Birthday, Uncle Nick! I hope Aunt Lynn has set aside some time for you to read all the wonderful messages from your family. After seeing them, I hope you realize, as I do, how incredibly loved, admired, and respected you are. You truly are an integral part of this family.

Now it’s my turn to share just how much you’ve meant to me. From the earliest memories I have, you’ve always been involved in my life, diving into my interests in swords and guns. Your enthusiasm fueled my childhood dreams, and I’ll always appreciate how you encouraged my wild booby-trapping ideas, funding them with those gas station knives you used to buy me (and sometimes still do).

I can’t forget all those cold winter trips to the West Desert, where we suffered through freezing temperatures just to go shooting, definitely not something many would agree to. Your willingness to endure discomfort and hard work for the sake of family has always set an incredible example for me. It not only got me out of some tough construction projects with my dad, but it also taught me the value of hard work and, more importantly, how to enjoy it. You’ve shown me that work can be fun if you make it fun, and it’s about the people around you, not just the activity you’re doing.

I’ve seen for many years you come home after a long and early day at the hospital, go for a run, cook dinner, shower (sometimes), and then head out to help your brother rebuild an engine, all while maintaining that infectious laugh and positive attitude. But it doesn’t just stop with physical hard work, your thirst for knowledge has always impressed me. You have kept learning and seeking answers even as a senior citizen, which speaks volumes about your intelligence.

The dedication you show, whether it’s producing a study, helping a family member research a medical condition, or the deep exploration of natural selection, you attack it with the utmost determination to find answers and understanding. I often think of this example in my own life, and it has driven me to want to be a lifelong learner as well.

You have always been a man of principle; once you believe in something, you stick to it. I have so much admiration for that. I think the overarching theme when talking about Nick Lonardo is that you are selfless. You want what’s best for your family and the ones you love, putting them before yourself. It is truly a rare quality to have, and although these qualities are just a few examples of the remarkable life you’ve led, they are what I strive to emulate in my own life.

I know you understand the significance of tribe, and as the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Well, you’ve been a crucial part of my village. You really helped in raising me, and I’ll always see you as a second father. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have you in my life and how profoundly your example has shaped my life in so many wonderful ways. I can’t imagine who I would be without your example in my life.

I love you, and I hope you have an amazing 62nd birthday! Please don’t start getting too senile now that you’re a grandpa!

Lorenzo Lonardo

Dear Nick,

From the beginning, I knew you were an important family member to impress, as Lorenzo always spoke so highly of you. He often shares that you’re like another dad to him. So when I made you laugh for the first time, it felt special. Your big, contagious laugh is something I love most about you, and it makes me feel like I should have been a comedian! My family shares big laughs too, so knowing you do as well makes me feel at home with the Lonardos.

As I’ve gotten to know you over the past four years, I see why the Lonardo boys are so loving, kind, and full of random facts—it’s because of you! The way you love Lynn, how you speak of your girls, how you light up when Andre and Marcus walk in the door, how you show up for Jeff at every “fix-it” project, the way you tease Lorenzo - I’ve observed and admire about you. I truly view you as one of the pillars of this family and am thankful that you have rubbed off great characteristics in Lorenzo.

Your impact reaches far beyond what you may ever realize and you are loved beyond words.

Love you nick!

Averiel Bailey

Aside from my brand new baby, Nick Lonardo, might be one of the most precious people I have ever known. When I think of Nick, I think about the way he greets his children every single time he gets the chance to talk to them or see them. It’s like watching a family welcome home their return missionary after not seeing them for 2 years. A joyous reunion, every single time! Whenever I overhear him on the phone with Marcus, it’s, “Son!!! How are you doing?!” Or when you’re at his house and his daughters come through the door, he screams with joy, “Isabella!!! Fia!!!” Can you imagine if the whole world was raised by a Dad like Nick who showed his love just by the way he said your name?

Danielle Lonardo