Nick!
Without question, you have been the most impactful mentor to me by showing me the power of imagination, and determination, and how we can use these attributes to positively affect the lives of others. The magnetic aura you possess is the reason I was drawn to move 1,364 miles to work at the University; my desire was to surround myself with people like you. However, what I have come to find out is that there aren't other people like you, which is what makes knowing you so special. There are few people whom I can get lost in conversation with, only to realize that what felt like 5 minutes was actually 3 hours. It is an honor to be in your circle and I wish for you a memorable birthday celebration this year!
Jeff Gilreath
A HUGE and special thank you to Jeff for taking the time to assist with Dad’s cancer diagnosis. He used his Oncology expertise to deeply explore the best options and produce a list of questions for his care team. We are forever grateful.
Nick is truly a singularly unique man!
For more than 20 years he has been for me a colleague, a scientific collaborator, a healer, a parenting and marriage counselor, a cheerleader, a philosopher and most of all a dear and loyal friend. I realize he has been this and more for many others but when you are with Nick he is focused on and dedicated to you. Nick is passionate about his family, his friends and truth. He and I have talked for hours about it all and it never gets old. I have come to see Nick as a true brother to me and I am deeply grateful for our brotherhood. We have been through so much together, the highest highs and lowest lows. My brother through saving lives, teaching the art of medicine and enduring cancer together. Nick you are the best of men and I love you with all my heart. Looking forward to many adventures ahead.
Happy Birthday!
Love Ted
18 years ago, I was looking into a critical-care pharmacy residency and sent an email to a listed “Dr Lonardo”, residency director at the University of Utah. Little did I know how much of a vital mentor and friend this “Lonardo guy” would become. Nick, from the second you threw out my CV and wanted to talk about Italy, I knew you were someone I had to work with. How fortunate I am to have had your guidance throughout my pharmacy career and life. You have become a mentor, hero and good friend. You have taught me so much- from vancomycin PK to how to be appreciate life and family. Working alongside you is an honor my friend.
Happy Birthday!!!
Wayne Shipley
These photos were shared by Randy Clark, Dad’s friend of over 40 years!
This is from their trip to California.
When besties get together with their husbands, they always hope for a bro connection. And that’s what Lynn and I got…and more. Matter of fact, it’s a solid 4 square connection in that all 4 of us—Nick, Josh, Lynn, and Amy—click. What a gift of friendship & laughter it’s been! Time together is effortless and fun; we just flow.
Happy 60th, Nick! Wishing you good health, and cheers to our next 4 square adventure—summer of 2025!!
Love, Amy & Josh
The beginning…
The middle and without end…
At home at our home.
I've honestly never had a "bad time" around Nick, he's always positive informative, and willing to laugh, educate AND listen. We've had a few adventures together and I always look forward to being around Nick.
Brandon Bowen
I just want to let you know I’m deeply grateful for your mentorship and friendship. I will never forget the days working with you as an “immature neutrophil” pharmacy intern at the UofU. I learned so much! Your humor, kindness, and encouragement made such a big difference. You really helped me become a full fledge “mature WBC” pharmacist that I am today! Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life!
Happy birthday Nick!! I hope this year brings you as much laughter and positivity as you’ve brought to others!
Oanh Dang
I met Nick through work but he does not treat me as a colleague. He cares about me as a person and treats me the way he hopes someone would treat his kids. He is always the first to tell me that I could indeed do that house project myself without calling anyone. In fact, he even brought a reciprocating saw to work for me to borrow.
Additionally, in the last year he realized that he drives by the bus stop I use and has started picking me up so now we are carpooling buddies. He is the first to recommend new books and his passion for his interests is contagious. One day, I believe I will get him to break out of the non fiction genre. I like to think I give back to Nick by teaching him about pop culture so he can impress Lynn and the girls with how in the know he is. A few years back he invited me to the Lonardo family Thanksgiving and introduced me to everyone as his friend. And I feel like that perfectly summarizes how he makes people feel.
Happy birthday to my friend Nick.
Lauren Flieller
Nick is a wonderful human being, he is the most responsible, intelligent, and dependable person I know. There is no one I trust more to use his minivan to pull my kids on the end of a rope and tire going 30 mph!
Todd Kelsey
Nick- I’m forever grateful to you, my dear friend. Whether it was enjoying the simpler and straightforward pleasures of life, like homemade bagels and biscotti, or the dicier judgment call of helping Cruise finish his gun so he could target practice in the desert, or the resources you offered to Cruise to support his mental health, I will be forever grateful for your unwavering and enthusiastic support. It remains a priceless gift in my life, to be able to bask in the warmth of your essence, which is that you recognize the gifts in others and root enthusiastically for them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential.
Thank you, my friend <3
DeAnn Tilton
As most people know, Nick is one of the most unassuming and down to earth people in the world. I’ve learned so much from him over the years and he’s been my mentor and friend since I first came out to Utah. He may have indirectly been the result of a broken long distance relationship that led to me staying here (he did feel guilty about it for a long time but shouldn’t have) but it was for the better and I’d still pick him in most scenarios (not the current marriage buddy, you’re not that awesome).
It’s too easy to tell all the funny and crazy stuff that is associated with Nick over the years. I’ll try to throw in a funny story later but to me it’s more important to express my gratitude, sheer admiration, and overall amazement of what Nick has done in life. He has truly been through it all and despite everything that is thrown at him, he perseveres and is such a positive person. He’s the hardest working, brilliant, and most dedicated human that I know. Just in the realm of pharmacy he has touched so many people and influenced not only how we practice but also how we conduct ourselves. In short, this is not a story or funny anecdote but rather an affirmation of what a stud you are and all of us are lining up to help you and your family in whatever fashion needed.
We all love you.
Ben Gebhart
Happy birthday Neeeeeek!!
That work badge definitely makes you look cooler.
-Cathyyen Dang
To the man who literally saved my child’s life. Thinking of all you have done for my family over the years brings me to tears. You are a fountain of knowledge and you have done much research on our behalf to help us navigate many medical issues. For that we will be forever grateful to you! We also love that you always have a smile on your face and a kind greeting. What a blessing you are to our family. We are so lucky we moved onto Ramona all those years ago. Cheers to another trip around the sun! We all love you dearly and appreciate you more than we could ever express! —❤️, the Sant Fam
HAPPY 62ND BIRTHDAY
NICK
AND HERE’S TO MANY MORE!!!
While working in the hospital at the UofU,
A “FRIENDSHIP” had begun between Nick and Lynn!
Lynn, a Dietician, and Nick, Head Pharmacist, in the SICU,
Sharing stories and laughter while cafeteria dining!
Nick was divorced, living with “MARCUS & ANDRE”, his young boys,
Lynn was proceeding with her divorce! Not Final!! Not Fun!!
When finally in the year 2000, Lynn felt the “JOYS”,
Her divorce was “FINAL” – the drama and turmoil done!
Nick had waited “PATIENTLY”, but now was the time,
He could finally ask Lynn out on a ‘REAL DATE”!!
They went several places and had a great time,
Nick knew Lynn was the “ONE”, but she still wanted to date!!
Lynn met Nick’s boys as their story continued to move on,
Nick now convinced Lynn was to be his next “WIFE”!
The next logical step was for Lynn to move into Nick’s home,
Lynn so recently divorced – not sure she esd ready to be a “MOTHER & WIFE”!!
To help make Lynn’s decision, as she cared deeply for him,
She decided she needed “OBJECTIVE OPINIONS” from her close friends!
Nick - “TOKEN MALE”, attended a “BBQ” with Lynn, 5-girlfriends and him!
He passed his “INSPECTION” with ‘FLYING COLORS” to a great end!!
The collective “OPINION” – Nick’s a “GREAT CATCH” and Lynn was “BLESSED”,
To have found a “WONDERFUL DAD” with a FABULOUS CAREER”!
This was “CONFIRMATION” to what Lynn had already assessed,
That Nick was the ‘LOVE OF HER LIFE” – where she’d spend the rest of her years!
The rest of their story is a “FAIRY TALE” with a “HAPPY ENDING”,
Nick and Lynn have created a “LOVE” for all times!!!
A beautiful “BLENDED FAMILY” that’s now expanding,
With “Danielle & Jessa”; now 2-grandkids, “Luca & Finley” – their favorite “PASS TIME”!!
In conclusion, a “BBQ” at the Lonardo’s is about the “GREATEST FOOD”,
Always, including ‘GOOD FRIENDS” and for sure “FAMILY”!
Just know that there’s always a chance that it could,
Be the beginning of your “BEAUTIFUL LIFE STORY”!!!!!
With all my “LOVE, HUGS & KISSES”,
Chris Roseman
(“Auntie Chris”)