Evelyn Nicotera

Evelyn (DeRose) Nicotera entered this world on March 21, 1926, in Chicago, IL, lived the majority of her life in Racine, WI and shuffled off her mortal coil (she passed on) in Estero, FL on May, 30, 2025 at the age of 99.

Evelyn was the only surviving child of Samuel and Pasqualena (Ziccarelli) DeRose. Her older brother Arthur died at birth. Evelyn loved her family, close friends and laughter. As a child she was a tomboy playing baseball and getting into general mischief with her cousins and friends on Blake Avenue. She was once found sitting on the roof of a garage at the age of 3 singing a song and had to be persuaded to come down by her frantic mother and aunts. She was raised around the family business, DeRose’s Tavern on Blake Avenue and Kewaunee St. Evelyn graduated from William Horlick High School, Class of 1944, participating in Glee Club, Symphonic Band and Spanish Club.

Evelyn was married to Frank S. Nicotera for over 70 years. They were active lifelong members of Sacred Heart Parish. Evelyn enjoyed working with the Christian Mothers and volunteering for various activities and committees at church. She was also one of the oldest surviving members of the Vittoria Colonna Lodge and enjoyed working at the annual Roma Lodge festival for many years.

Evelyn spent her later years living in Estero, Florida away from the frigid Wisconsin winters spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, nieces and many family members and friends who came for visits. She often mentioned while watching winter weather forecasts that she really didn’t miss Wisconsin winters, all while sitting in the sun on the lanai and getting a tan.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Michael (Dominic) Nicotera of Oakland Park, FL, Frank (Debra) Nicotera of St. Francis, WI, Patti (Randy) Kapellusch of Estero, FL, grandchildren Nick (Katie) Nicotera of Los Angeles, CA, Lauren Nicotera of Los Angeles, CA, Chris Nicotera of New Orleans, LA, Alie (William Garcia) Nicotera of New Orleans, LA , Tenney (Justin) Kapellusch of West Palm Beach, FL and great grandson Nico Garcia of New Orleans, LA, as well as her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Virginia (Nicotera) Linden and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and lifelong best friend Alberta Lipari.

According to Evelyn’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.