June 12, 1973 – December 5, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonah Peter Nicosia’s sudden passing on December 5, 2023, at the age of 50 in Naples, FL. Jonah, a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, mentor, teacher, and counselor, has left an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born on June 12, 1973, in Brooklyn, NY, Jonah was the youngest of four, in a close-knit Italian family. His boundless energy and mischievous spirit filled his childhood home with non-stop laughter because of his endless shenanigans. Jonah’s love for his family was beyond words. His fiercely protective nature, especially over his three older sisters made it an almost impossible task for anyone trying to date them. As you could imagine, this was not an easy task for anyone who was seeking his approval.
Jonah pursued a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Long Island University in 2005 and began his career in education as a counselor.He was employed for 16 years with Collier County Public Schools, and left a lasting impact on countless students’ lives, while fostering a supportive and caring environment.
In 2021, Jonah embarked on a new adventure, co-owning Brightwater Pools, a venture he humorously dubbed “Schools to Pools.” His career transition showcased his versatility, adding “pool boy extraordinaire” to his impressive resume.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jonah’s personal life was equally rich. In 2009, he took a leap of faith, flying to Colombia to meet his future wife, Adriana. Love blossomed, and they married in 2010, creating a bond so strong that the weekly date nights and daily breakfasts they shared remained sacred even after almost 14 years of marriage.
At the core of Jonah’s being was a deep faith and love for God. He read bible passages daily, and prayed by his Virgin Mary statue in his backyard every morning which always ended with him kissing the top of her head. This gave him a positive focus for the day.
Jonah was a “Nature Boy” at heart. He never took the beauty of nature for granted and was always in awe of God’s grace upon him knowing how blessed he was to experience his surroundings. He loved planting and was especially proud of his collection of bonsai and fruit trees that he would often touch and talk to in his backyard. On his daily walks he would “ground” himself either by the ocean with his toes in the sand and the sun on his face or by lying in a grassy field looking up into the blue sky.
His contagious laughter and larger-than-life presence made him the life of the party. If you were Jonah’s friend, you were family, he made that very clear. He made you “belly laugh” with his stories and shenanigans even during the toughest times because his positive outlook and humor brought light to any situation.
Jonah is survived by his loving wife Adriana, his late mother Rose Nicosia, father Joseph Nicosia, step-mother Lillian Brust, sisters Christina, Gracie, Rosie, niece Faith, nephews Anthony and Ryan, and extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the GiveGoSend account: https://givesendgo.com/jonahnicosia to help with funeral and related expenses due to Jonah’s unexpected passing.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, on Friday, December 15, at 10:00 AM with a celebration of Jonah’s life/reception to follow at Winter Park Clubhouse, 3795 Winter Park Blvd., Naples, Florida.
May Jonah’s radiant spirit and enduring love continue to touch our lives as we remember and celebrate the remarkable man he was.
Darlene Crete
January 24, 2024, 12:03 pm
There are no words to express how honored I am to have shared a part of this life with Jonah and will treasure our friendship forever. My heart is with Adriana and his family as they navigate a world without his kindness, love, humor and positivity. He was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure. Rest in peace my sweet friend and fly with the angels. Until we meet again. Love, DC xoxo
Joseph Lovero
January 24, 2024, 12:03 pm
Jonah, I will miss you, man. Living with you and Adriana in the past years has been awesome and always brought positivity to me. Coming home from work and hearing you yell my name across the house, no matter the day or time, you were always outside with me those nights. You were a dad, uncle, cousin, brother, and best friend to me, and I was lucky to have you. You always had my back no matter the situation. I was the son you never had, and I’m so happy you had that from me. 143 always
Love,
Joey
Angela Miceli-Pastore
January 24, 2024, 12:03 pm
It took me a while to write this because I’m still in disbelief and I am in my head trying to make sense of it all . How do you describe a man like Jonah who is larger than life,intelligent, greatest sense of humor, kind, caring , good looking and full of life & more ….. I met Jonah for the first time around six years ago when my son came down to Florida and he found his first apartment and it was in Jonah & Adrianna’s house, a beautiful studio. He would call me and tell me oh my God you have to meet them, Jonah and his wife Adriana , you are going to love them . My husband & I make our way down to visit and I meet them and to say the least Jonah was everything my Son said and so so much more. He invited me to stay there, invited us to use his pool , I watched how close he was with my Son . When I left, he sent me a long email telling me never to worry about anything with my son. He is their nephew now and the rest is history. We became so close , texted and we shared our experiences on depression, constantly back-and-forth. He would tell me where he’s up to and tell him many many years ago what I did. they were able to spend Christmas with us a year ago and was hoping this Christmas would be the same. I sent him a message saying please spend it with us this year. Who would’ve ever thought I’d be writing this and now you are a beautiful angel I truly believe he needed you for more than we did , we don’t really know as of now but one day when we get up there we sure will & I’m sure the stories will be even more beautiful and hilarious than our own.
Miss & love you so much
Angela & Richie Pastore
Isabel Tabares
January 24, 2024, 12:04 pm
Rest in Peace, my dear Gringuito. You are in your family and friend’s heart. I love you,
Ty Fortune
January 24, 2024, 12:04 pm
I still haven’t begun to process any of this. I really wish I didn’t have to write this:
Only I know how much of an impact you made on my life. You always called me your little brother from another mother, and you truly treated me like a little brother. You were very protective of me and you always had my best interest at heart. You knew more about me than I knew myself as crazy as it sounds.
You were one of the smartest, funniest, most approachable, loving, caring, and outgoing people I’ve ever met, to say the least. You were a wonderful husband to Adriana and I lived to see it. I’m now striving to be to my wife half the husband you were to Adriana.
I will miss the days you’d sit in my car and play guitar with the seatbelt. You loved your bonsai trees and were always excited to come home to water and trim them. You had to find the biggest salt lamp to buy.
You were simply full of life.
I’m glad that I got to see you a few days ago, and enjoyed our long conversation. Although we may not be able to make sense of this, I’d assume God thought he could use a few more laughs so he called you home.
I’m certain I will see you again!!!
I miss you Buddy!!!
Angie Bateman
January 24, 2024, 12:05 pm
My husband and I are clients of Brightwater. We met Jonah when he took over the business. We are deeply sorry for your loss, he sounds like a wonderful man. We will keep your family in our Prayers
Jeff and Angie Bateman 8435 Borboni Crt Naples
Bill Lukasiak
January 24, 2024, 12:05 pm
I talked with Jonah numerous times and he was very kind and pleasant. We both shared stories about our bouts with planter fasciitis. He called me “Uncle Bill!” He will be greatly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to meet him! Condolences to his family and friends! Bill Lukasiak
craig blumenthal
January 24, 2024, 12:05 pm
We send our love and condolences to Jonah’s family. We only met 1 year ago, but he felt like family. We loved to tease each other, he called me uncle Craig. He was one of the sweetest men we ever met and are shocked by his passing. God Bless
Beth Lindenmeyer
January 24, 2024, 12:06 pm
Jonah was truly one of a kind! Genuinely funny and such a caring heart. I treasure the time we shared together at Pine Ridge Middle. He is absolutely unforgettable. Touched the lives of so many peers in education and innumerable lives of students. Rest easy, my friend, fly high with the angels.
Deepest Condolences to his Family ~ Beth Lindenmeyer
The Rosario Family
January 24, 2024, 12:07 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Jonahs passing. May Jonah rest in peace in the hands of his creator. Condolences to Adriana and the Nicosia family.
Rose Nicosia
January 24, 2024, 12:07 pm
I love you baby brother, you are everywhere. May this tree breathe life into every soul it sees just as you did. Love you endlessly your sister Rosie
Toni
January 24, 2024, 12:08 pm
With my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family Sending lot’s of love Toni
VCA Family
January 24, 2024, 12:08 pm
Our deepest condolences.
Your Costco Family
January 24, 2024, 12:09 pm
We wish you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Anonymous
January 24, 2024, 12:10 pm
REST IN PIECE JONAH FLY HIGH
Flia Perez Arias
January 24, 2024, 12:11 pm
With loving memories of “Jonah Peter Nicosia”,We always remember it his big smile all the time!
Lisa Perez
January 24, 2024, 12:11 pm
So many memories of Jonah… great colleague and friend, fun loving and upbeat…Grad Bash trips were awesome! Lorenzo Walker was such fun with Jonah around. Still can’t believe you’re gone, friend. My heart goes out to his dear wife, who he loved so very much and to his dearest friend, Jeff. Rest in Peace Jonah.
Lisa Perez
Sean Mcloughlin
May 12, 2024, 9:21 am
Jonah
Very sorry to find out you passed away. Rip brother, we had so many good times growing up. I am sorry we grew apart and have not talked in years. Condolences to your family. Rip!
Sean